EEG Detection of Complex Brain Activation in Vegetative Patients

Electroencephalographic recording of responses to a motor-imagery command identified consistent, specific, and appropriately localized electrical cerebral changes in a few patients.

Evidence of intact awareness in some patients diagnosed as being in the vegetative state has been found using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques (Science 2006; 313:1402, JW Neurol May 15 2007, and Mar 2 2010), raising startling questions about whether some patients meeting strict criteria for such behavioral states are actually conscious. However, fMRI techniques are not clinically practical in most instances. Now, researchers have tested a protocol using electroencephalography (EEG) — an objective, widely available (portable or even bedside) test — as a tool to detect covert conscious awareness in 16 patients confidently diagnosed as being in the vegetative state.

Using a rigorous statistical classifier system, 3 of the…

Reviewing Author

Robert C. Knowlton, MD, MSPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMore Health, Inc.; The Alliance of Medical Companies

Grant/Research SupportNIH Small Business Innovation Research

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSouthern Epilepsy & EEG Society (Treasurer)

Robert C. Knowlton, MD, MSPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMore Health, Inc.; The Alliance of Medical Companies

Grant/Research SupportNIH Small Business Innovation Research

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSouthern Epilepsy & EEG Society (Treasurer)