Classifying reduced consciousness states using brain scanning techniques
Despite the advances in our understanding of the brain that have been made in recent years, human consciousness remains one of the great mysteries of science.
This lack of understanding is one of the reasons why states of reduced consciousness after brain injury, such as coma, persistent vegetative state (PVS), minimally conscious state and locked-in syndrome, are difficult to accurately diagnose. Doctors often don't know for sure how much conscious awareness patients retain when in these states.
Much recent research has employed brain scanning techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to identify activity in the brains of unconscious patients. Some of the results have indicated that a number of patients may have far more awareness than was previously recognised.
A selection of the most relevant studies on and related to this subject are provided here.
14 February 2011
Recent developments in technology and associated techniques have uncovered possibilities for aiding the diagnosis of vegetative stats and minimally conscious state
06 May 2010
Coleman MR, Rodd JM, Davis MH, Johnsrude IS, Menon DK, Pickard JD, Owen AM.
01 September 2009
Coleman MR, Davis MH, Rodd JM, Robson T, Ali A, Owen AM, Pickard JD
01 May 2009
Cauda F, Micon BM, Sacco K, Duca S, D'Agata F, Geminiani G, Canavero S. (2009)
01 July 2007
Boly M, Coleman MR, Davis MH, Hampshire A, Bor D, Moonen G, Maquet PA, Pickard JD, Laureys S, Owen AM.
01 September 2005
Bekinschtein T, Tiberti C, Niklison J, Tamashiro M, Ron M, Carpintiero S, Villarreal M, Forcato C, Leiguarda R, Manes F.
06 July 1996
Andrews K, Murphy L, Munday R, Littlewood C.