Spectral Signatures of Reorganised Brain Networks in Disorders of Consciousness
PLoS Computational Biology October 16, 2014 Srivas Chennu, Paola Finoia, Evelyn Kamau et al. 249 citations
Consciousness is thought to require balanced integration and differentiation of brain activity, supported by efficient networks. Analyzing high-density EEG from 32 patients with chronic disorders of consciousness and healthy controls, the authors found that patient networks showed reduced local and global efficiency and fewer hubs in the alpha frequency band. A new metric, modular span, revealed that alpha network modules in patients were spatially limited, lacking the long-distance interactions seen in controls. However, delta and theta band networks were partially reversed and more similar to each other in patients. Alpha network efficiency correlated with behavioral awareness. Notably, some behaviorally unresponsive vegetative patients with covert awareness had well-preserved alpha networks resembling controls, suggesting network mechanisms that may support consciousness despite severe behavioral impairment.