EEG in the Evaluation of Patients with Coma and Other Disorders of Consciousness

Standard bedside electroencephalography provides complementary information in the assessment of unrecognized cognitive function in severely brain-injured patients.

The clinical evaluation of disorders of consciousness involves the challenge of distinguishing coma from vegetative state (VS) and from minimally conscious state (MCS). Recent neuroimaging studies have revealed cases with remarkable findings that diverge from bedside examination, suggesting that some patients are in a state more like locked-in syndrome rather than either VS or MCS (e.g., NEJM JW Neurol Mar 2 2010).

To examine the value of electroencephalography (EEG) in making these distinctions, researchers now report findings of a prospective cohort study of 44 patients with disorders of consciousness assessed at least once with overnight continuous EEG. Most patients also underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine covert c…

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)

EEG in the Evaluation of Patients with Coma and Other Disorders of Consciousness

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Reviewing Author