A systematic investigation of the association between network dynamics in the human brain and the state of consciousness
Neuroscience of Consciousness January 1, 2020 J. Crone, E. Lutkenhoff, P. Vespa et al.
Brain dynamics measured with resting-state fMRI are linked to the state of consciousness, not just to behavioral responsiveness. A longitudinal study of patients recovering from coma assessed patients twice, six months apart. One group regained consciousness and improved responsiveness; the other was already conscious and only improved responsiveness. At the first assessment, conscious patients showed greater variance in network metrics than unconscious patients, a difference that disappeared once all patients had recovered consciousness. Patients who regained consciousness showed a significant increase in dynamics over time, while those who only improved responsiveness did not. This suggests changes in brain dynamics relate specifically to consciousness.