Detection of Brain Activation in Unresponsive Patients with Acute Brain Injury

Among brain-injured patients without command-following, some had EEG response to a motor command, which correlated with favorable outcome.

To identify the prevalence of brain activation in response to motor commands in patients with acute brain injury and depressed level of consciousness without command-following, researchers analyzed continuous-electroencephalography (EEG) signals in 104 patients at a single center. The investigators then looked at the long-term functional outcome in patients with versus without brain activation. A machine-learning algorithm was developed to predict the EEG signal characteristics of a particular motor command. Study subjects were then given the motor command by being asked to alternatively “keep opening and closing your right/left hand” and “stop opening and closing your right/left hand.”

In total, 16 out of the 104 patients (15%) had brain ac…

Reviewing Author

Craig Williamson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardNational Football League

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc.

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsNeurocritical Care