Large-scale brain dynamics in disorders of consciousness.
Brain injury profoundly affects global brain dynamics, and these changes are manifest in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Despite the heterogeneity of injury mechanisms and the modularity of brain function, there is a commonality of dynamical features that characterize the EEG along the gamut from coma to recovery. After severest injury, EEG activity is concentrated below 1 Hz. In minimally conscious state during wakefulness, there is a peak of activity in the 3-7 Hz range, often coherent across the brain, and often also activity in the beta (15-30 Hz) range. These spectral changes likely result from varying degrees of functional deafferentation at thalamic and cortical levels. EEG-based indices of brain dynamics that go beyond these simple spectral measures may provide further diagnostic information and physiologic insights.
Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States; Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
Nicholas D
ND
Schiff
Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
Tanya
T
Nauvel
Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States; Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States. Electronic address: jdvicto@med.cornell.edu.
Jonathan D
JD
Victor
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D058256:Brain Waves / Q000502:physiology*; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological