Consciousness is hypothesized to emerge from a sophisticated balance between functional integration and segregation across large-scale brain networks. However, how these topological properties are disrupted in disorders of consciousness (DoC), and whether they can predict long-term recovery, remain to be established. Using resting-state functional MRI and graph-theoretical modeling in patients...
Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) are characterized by abnormal function or disrupted connectivity of consciousness-related neural circuits, mainly presenting as Vegetative State/Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (VS/UWS) and Minimally Conscious State (MCS), which impose a heavy burden on patients' families and society. Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) has emerged as a core research...
This study aimed to investigate the brain's hemodynamic responses (HRO) and functional connectivity in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) in response to acute pressure pain stimulation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Patients diagnosed with DoC underwent pressure stimulation while brain activity was measured using NIRS. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and...
Increasing evidence indicates that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can promote the recovery of consciousness levels in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC). However, previous clinical studies have shown inconsistent clinical efficacy of taVNS in treating pDOC. This could be because no research has clearly defined the indications for taVNS treatment...