Transcranial direct current stimulation unveils covert consciousness

Thanks to modern neuroimaging techniques it appears that 30% of patients clinically unresponsive (i.e., unresponsive wakefulness syndrome – UWS [1]) retain cerebral functions that are similar to patients in a minimally conscious state – MCS [1], as assessed by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). These patients are newly labeled as MCS* or with cognitive-motor dissociation [2,3]. Even if the majority of them will regain some signs of consciousness, techniques to promote their recovery are still lacking.

Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - February 7, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Aurore Thibaut, Camille Chatelle, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse, G éraldine Martens, Helena Cassol, Charlotte Martial, Manon Carrière, Alice Barra, Steven Laureys, Olivia Gosseries Source Type: research