Background. In recent years the problem of quality of life (QOL) has become increasingly important, especially in rehabilitation. In the case of patients aroused from prolonged coma, this issue is all the harder to resolve, because many patients experience a major change of life perspective, personality, etc. after their brain injury. This often leads to conflict between patients and their caregivers, caused by differences of opinion regarding QOL. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate these differences. Material and methods. The research involved 30 patients treated in 2002-03 in the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Rydygier Academy of Medicine in Bydgoszcz, Poland after brain and brainstem injury accompanied by coma, and their caregivers. Clinical interviews and the Pachalska-MacQueen QOL Scale were used. Differences in the scores obtained by patients and their caregivers were analyzed statistically. Results. The strongest correlation was found between the opinions of patients and caregivers in respect to the more physical parameters on the scale. There was no correlation in respect to psycho-social functions. The exception to this general rule was locomotion, a physical function that produced significant differences of opinion.Conclusions. Differences were found in the evaluation of QOL between patients and their caregivers in respect to some parameters, though not all. These differences of opinion often lead to conflict and disturbed family functioning. Training and therapy is necessary in this respect, for both patients aroused from prolonged coma and their caregivers.