Neural correlates of perceptual consciousness from within: a narrative review of human intracranial research
François Stockart, Alexis Robin, Hal Blumenfeld, Milan Brázdil, P. Kahane, Liad Mudrik, Jasmine Thum, Michael Pereira, Nathan Faivre
Elife January 13, 2026 DOI: 10.7554/elife.109604 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Narrative review Consciousness Perception Cognition Sensory system Human brain Cognitive psychology Cognitive science Neural activity Electroencephalography Cognitive neuroscience Electrocorticography Interpretation philosophy Human studies |
| Key findings | Human intracranial recordings can advance the search for neural correlates of perceptual consciousness by offering high spatiotemporal resolution, improved signal sensitivity, and broad cortical and subcortical coverage. |
Abstract
Despite many years of research, the quest to identify neural correlates of perceptual consciousness (NCC) remains unresolved. One major obstacle lies in methodological limitations: most studies rely on non-invasive neural measures with limited spatial or temporal resolution making it difficult to disentangle proper NCCs from concurrent cognitive processes. Additionally, the relatively low sensitivity of non-invasive neural measures limits the interpretation of null findings in studies targeting proper NCCs. In this review, we discuss how human intracranial recordings can advance the search for NCCs, by offering high spatiotemporal resolution, improved signal sensitivity, and broad cortical and subcortical coverage. We review studies that have examined NCCs at the level of single neurons and populations of neurons, and evaluate their implications on the debates between cognitive and sensory theories of consciousness. Finally, we highlight the limits of current intracranial human recordings and propose future directions based on emerging technologies and novel experimental paradigms.