an extended biomedical condition wherein rudimentary brain operations and, generally, spontaneous respiration go on, but there is no consciousness of self or surroundings, no correspondence, and no deliberate reaction to stimulants. The condition should be differentiated from brain death. Young trauma victims have recovered, on occasion, from PVS, but adults are not typically known to recover after three months in such a state. The terminology permanent vegetative state is sometimes utilized for those who have been in PVS for a prolonged period of time.