What Does Epilepsy Tell Us About the Neural Correlates of Consciousness?
Jake P. Mann, Andrea E. Cavanna
Journal of Neuropsychiatry September 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.23.4.375 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Argues that studying seizure-related loss of consciousness provides insight into neural mechanisms underlying normal consciousness, and that such loss increases injury risk and worsens quality of life in epilepsy patients. |
Abstract
Epilepsy and consciousness are intimately related. Epileptic seizures can cause impairment of consciousness, and the study of how this occurs has informed us about the neural mechanisms that underlie normal consciousness. Moreover, loss of consciousness during seizures increases injury risk and worsens health-related quality of life. The present review describes the current understanding of consciousness and its alterations during ictal events, with implications for the clinical management of patients with epilepsy and relevant neuro-philosophical issues.