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Kitano T, Giacino JT, Bodien Y, Waters A, Hioki D, Shinya J, Nakayama T, Ohgi S. Reliability and validation of the Japanese version of the coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R). Brain Inj 2024; 38:249-259. [PMID: 38329043 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2309549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). METHODS Subjects included 59 patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) due to acquired brain injury. To validate test-retest reliability, Evaluator A assessed the CRS-R twice on the same day (A1, A2). To examine inter-rater reliability, Evaluators A (A2) and B (B) assessed the CRS-R without a time interval. To test concurrent validity, Evaluator A (A1) assessed the CRS-R, Japan Coma Scale (JCS), and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) consecutively. To validate diagnostic accuracy, we evaluated the degree of agreement between A1 and A2 and between A2 and B in their diagnosis of DOC by CRS-R. RESULTS The test-retest (ρ = 0.92) and inter- (ρ = 0.98) reliability of CRS-R were excellent" and Concurrent validity of CRS-R with JCS (ρ = -0.82) and GCS (ρ = 0.92) were high. Results of DOC diagnosis were consistent for 48/59 cases (κ = 0.82) for A1 and A2 and for 54/59 cases (κ = 0.92) for A2 and B. CONLCUSION The Japanese version of the CRS-R may be as reliable and valid as the original English and other language versions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Kitano
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Joseph T Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yelena Bodien
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abigail Waters
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daichi Hioki
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Junko Shinya
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Teiji Nakayama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Shohei Ohgi
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Studies, Seirei Christopher University, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
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Abstract
Covert consciousness is a state of residual awareness following severe brain injury or neurological disorder that evades routine bedside behavioral detection. Patients with covert consciousness have preserved awareness but are incapable of self-expression through ordinary means of behavior or communication. Growing recognition of the limitations of bedside neurobehavioral examination in reliably detecting consciousness, along with advances in neurotechnologies capable of detecting brain states or subtle signs indicative of consciousness not discernible by routine examination, carry promise to transform approaches to classifying, diagnosing, prognosticating and treating disorders of consciousness. Here we describe and critically evaluate the evolving clinical category of covert consciousness, including approaches to its diagnosis through neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and novel behavioral tools, its prognostic relevance, and open questions pertaining to optimal clinical management of patients with covert consciousness recovering from severe brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Schnakers C. Assessing consciousness and cognition in disorders of consciousness. NeuroRehabilitation 2024; 54:11-21. [PMID: 38251070 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Detecting willful cognition in these patients is known to be challenging due to the patients' motor disabilities and high vigilance fluctuations but also due to the lack of expertise and use of adequate tools to assess these patients in specific settings. This review will discuss the main disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury, how to assess consciousness and cognition in these patients, as well as the challenges and tools available to overcome these challenges and reach an accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Schnakers
- Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, 255 E. Bonita Avenue, Pomona, CA 91769, USA. Tel.: +1 909 596 7733 (ext. 3038); E-mail:
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Leboutte F, Engesser C, Zahiti L, Rentsch CA, Seifert H, Anding R, Hund-Georgiadis M, Möhr S, Walter M. Prevalence of Unfavorable Video-Urodynamic Findings and Clinical Implications in Patients with Minimally Conscious State/ Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome: A Retrospective Descriptive Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2432. [PMID: 37760873 PMCID: PMC10525630 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this retrospective exploratory study was to investigate the prevalence of unfavorable findings during video-urodynamic studies (VUDS) in patients with minimally conscious state (MCS)/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and whether management of the lower urinary tract (LUT) was adjusted accordingly. A retrospective chart review was conducted to screen for patients diagnosed with MCS/UWS at our rehabilitation center between 2011 and 2020. Patients 18 years or older were included and underwent baseline VUDS after being diagnosed with MCS/UWS. We analyzed urodynamic parameters and subsequent changes in LUT management in this cohort. In total, 32 patients (7 females, 25 males, median age 37 years) with MCS/UWS were included for analysis. While at least one unfavorable VUDS finding (i.e., neurogenic detrusor overactivity [NDO], detrusor sphincter dyssynergia {DSD, high maximum detrusor pressure during storage phase [>40 cmH2O], low-compliance bladder [<20 mL/cmH2O], and vesico-uretero-renal reflux [VUR]) was found in each patient, NDO (78.1%, 25/32) and DSD (68.8%, 22/32) were the two most frequent unfavorable VUDS findings. Following baseline VUDS, new LUT treatment options were established in 56.3% (18/32) of all patients. In addition, bladder-emptying methods were changed in 46.9% (15/32) of all patients, resulting in fewer patients relying on indwelling catheters. Our retrospective exploratory study revealed a high prevalence of NDO and DSD in patients with MCS/UWS, illustrating the importance of VUDS to adapt LUT management in this cohort accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Leboutte
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (F.L.); (C.E.); (L.Z.); (C.A.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Christian Engesser
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (F.L.); (C.E.); (L.Z.); (C.A.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Leutrim Zahiti
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (F.L.); (C.E.); (L.Z.); (C.A.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Cyrill A. Rentsch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (F.L.); (C.E.); (L.Z.); (C.A.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Helge Seifert
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (F.L.); (C.E.); (L.Z.); (C.A.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Ralf Anding
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (F.L.); (C.E.); (L.Z.); (C.A.R.); (H.S.)
| | | | - Sandra Möhr
- Neuro-Urology, REHAB Basel, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Walter
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (F.L.); (C.E.); (L.Z.); (C.A.R.); (H.S.)
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Frohlich J, Crone JS, Mediano PAM, Toker D, Bor D. Editorial: Dissociations between neural activity and conscious state: a key to understanding consciousness. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1256168. [PMID: 37600551 PMCID: PMC10433896 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1256168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Frohlich
- Institute for Neuromodulation and Neurotechnology, University Hospital and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Julia S. Crone
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pedro A. M. Mediano
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Toker
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Bor
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Vitello MM, Rosenfelder MJ, Cardone P, Niimi M, Willacker L, Thibaut A, Lejeune N, Laureys S, Bender A, Gosseries O. A protocol for a multicenter randomized and personalized controlled trial using rTMS in patients with disorders of consciousness. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1216468. [PMID: 37545735 PMCID: PMC10401598 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1216468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Improving the functional recovery of patients with DoC remains one of the greatest challenges of the field. Different theories exist about the role of the anterior (prefrontal areas) versus posterior (parietal areas) parts of the brain as hotspots for the recovery of consciousness. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a powerful non-invasive brain stimulation technique for the treatment of DoC. However, a direct comparison of the effect of TMS treatment on the front versus the back of the brain has yet to be performed. In this study, we aim to assess the short- and long-term effects of frontal and parietal rTMS on DoC recovery and characterize responders phenotypically. Methods/design Ninety patients with subacute and prolonged DoC will be included in a two-part multicenter prospective study. In the first phase (randomized controlled trial, RCT), patients will undergo four rTMS sessions in a crossover design over 10 days, targeting (i) the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and (ii) the left angular gyrus (AG), as well as (iii & iv) their sham alternatives. In the second phase (longitudinal personalized trial), patients will receive personalized stimulations for 20 working days targeting the brain area that showed the best results in the RCT and will be randomly assigned to either active or sham intervention. The effects of rTMS on neurobehavioral and neurophysiological functioning in patients with DoC will be evaluated using clinical biomarkers of responsiveness (i.e., the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised; CRS-R), and electrophysiological biomarkers (e.g., power spectra, functional and effective connectivity, perturbational complexity index before and after intervention). Functional long-term outcomes will be assessed at 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Adverse events will be recorded during the treatment phase. Discussion This study seeks to identify which brain region (front or back) is best to stimulate for the treatment of patients with DoC using rTMS, and to characterize the neural correlates of its action regarding recovery of consciousness and functional outcome. In addition, we will define the responders' profile based on patients' characteristics and functional impairments; and develop biomarkers of responsiveness using EEG analysis according to the clinical responsiveness to the treatment. Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04401319, Clinicaltrials.gov, n° NCT04401319.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie M. Vitello
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin J. Rosenfelder
- Department of Neurology, Therapiezentrum Burgau, Burgau, Germany
- Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Paolo Cardone
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Masachika Niimi
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lina Willacker
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital of Munich, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lejeune
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- William Lennox Neurological Hospital, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- CERVO Research Center, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Andreas Bender
- Department of Neurology, Therapiezentrum Burgau, Burgau, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital of Munich, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Lindenbaum L, Steppacher I, Mehlmann A, Kissler JM. The effect of neural pre-stimulus oscillations on post-stimulus somatosensory event-related potentials in disorders of consciousness. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1179228. [PMID: 37360157 PMCID: PMC10287968 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1179228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain activity of people in a disorder of consciousness (DoC) is diffuse and different from healthy people. In order to get a better understanding of their cognitive processes and functions, electroencephalographic activity has often been examined in patients with DoC, including detection of event-related potentials (ERPs) and spectral power analysis. However, the relationship between pre-stimulus oscillations and post-stimulus ERPs has rarely been explored in DoC, although it is known from healthy participants that pre-stimulus oscillations predispose subsequent stimulus detection. Here, we examine to what extent pre-stimulus electroencephalography band power in DoC relates to post-stimulus ERPs in a similar way as previously documented in healthy people. 14 DoC patients in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS, N = 2) or a minimally conscious state (MCS, N = 12) participated in this study. In an active oddball paradigm patients received vibrotactile stimuli. Significant post-stimulus differences between brain responses to deviant and standard stimulation could be found in six MCS patients (42.86%). Regarding relative pre-stimulus frequency bands, delta oscillations predominated in most patients, followed by theta and alpha, although two patients showed a relatively normal power spectrum. The statistical analysis of the relationship between pre-stimulus power and post-stimulus event-related brain response showed multiple significant correlations in five out of the six patients. Individual results sometimes showed similar correlation patterns as in healthy subjects primarily between the relative pre-stimulus alpha power and post-stimulus variables in later time-intervals. However, opposite effects were also found, indicating high inter-individual variability in DoC patients´ functional brain activity. Future studies should determine on an individual level to what extent the relationship between pre- and post-stimulus brain activity could relate to the course of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lindenbaum
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Inga Steppacher
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Johanna Maria Kissler
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Bagnato S, Boccagni C. Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood Biomarkers in Patients with Post-Traumatic Disorders of Consciousness: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13. [PMID: 36831907 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers are emerging tools used to obtain information on secondary brain damage and to improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy for patients with prolonged post-traumatic disorders of consciousness (DoC). We synthesized available data from studies evaluating CSF and blood biomarkers in these patients. (2) Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist to identify and synthesize data from relevant studies. Studies were identified by PubMed and manual searches. Those involving patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or in a minimally conscious state for >28 days, evaluating CSF or blood biomarkers, and conducted on patients with traumatic brain injuries older than 16 years were included in the review. (3) Results: In total, 17 studies were included. Findings on neurofilament light chain, proteins, metabolites, lipids, amyloid-β, tau, melatonin, thyroid hormones, microtubule-associated protein 2, neuron-specific enolase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were included in the qualitative synthesis. (4) Conclusions: The most promising applications for CSF and blood biomarkers are the monitoring of secondary neurodegeneration, support of DoC diagnoses, and refinement of prognoses, although current evidence remains too scarce to recommend such uses of these biomarkers in clinical practice.
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Gosseries O, Schnakers C, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Martial C, Aubinet C, Charland-Verville V, Thibaut A, Annen J, Ledoux D, Laureys S, Grégoire C. Needs and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Patients with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2023; 13. [PMID: 36831851 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Many patients with severe brain damage may survive and remain in a prolonged disorder of consciousness (PDoC), impacting the quality of life (QoL) and needs of their family caregivers. However, the current literature on the factors influencing these needs is contradictory. We aim to describe the needs, QoL, and emotional distress of caregivers of patients with PDoC. Methods. Questionnaires investigating the importance and satisfaction of six categories of needs (i.e., health information, emotional, instrumental, and professional supports, community support network, and involvement in care), QoL, and emotional distress were completed by the main caregivers of PDoC patients. Results. We analyzed 177 questionnaires. Seventy-nine percent of the needs were considered as important or very important, and 44% were partially met or unmet. The needs for health information and professional support were the most important, while the needs for involvement in care and for health information were the most satisfied. Mean QoL was low and emotional distress high. Variables such as care setting and time since brain injury affected the level of QoL and distress. Conclusion. The needs for health information and professional support should receive particular attention. Given their low QoL and high distress, adequate support structures should be provided to caregivers of PDoC patients.
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Liu Y, Kang XG, Gao Q, Liu Y, Song CG, Shi XJ, Wu JN, Jiang W. Long-Term Outcomes among Patients with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2023; 13. [PMID: 36831737 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term survival and functional outcomes of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) 1-8 years after brain injuries. METHODS Retrospective study to assess the long-term survival and functional outcomes of patients with pDoC was conducted. We performed Cox regression and multivariate logistic regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for the outcome of survival and to identify risk factors of the functional outcome. RESULTS We recruited 154 patients with pDoC. The duration of follow-up from disease onset was 1-8 years. The median age was 46 years (IQR, 32-59), and 65.6% (n = 101) of them were men. During the follow-up period, one hundred and ten patients (71.4%) survived; among them, 52 patients had a good outcome. From the overall survival curve, the 1-, 3-, and 8-year survival rates of patients were about 80.5%, 72.0%, and 69.7%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between the lower APACHE II score (p = 0.005) (cut-off score ≥ 18) and the presence of sleep spindles (p = 0.001) with survival. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a higher CRS-R score (cut-off score ≥ 7), and presence of sleep spindles were related to a favorable outcome among patients with pDoC. CONCLUSIONS Sleep spindles are correlated with both long-term survival and long-term functional outcome in pDoC patients.
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Li C, Wang Y, Li W, Yang Y, Xia X. Measure functional network and cortical excitability in post-anoxic patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome diagnosed by behavioral scales. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1071594. [PMID: 36711155 PMCID: PMC9874310 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1071594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain assessment shows great values in prognosis, treatment, resource allocation, and decision-making for patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). However, less research focused on cortical conditions of patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). Methods We recorded resting-state EEG and TMS-EEG from post-anoxic patients with UWS, diagnosed by repeated Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). Measurements of functional connectivity and networks were performed by phase lock value (PLV) and network parameters of graph theory (average path length, clustering coefficient, and small-world). Global cortical reactivity values (GCRV) were used to assess cortical excitability. Results The coefficient of variation (CV) presented marked inter-individual variations of PLV (CV = 0.285), network parameters (CV > 0.2), and GCRV (CV = 0.929) within these patients. The patients' PLV and network parameters at theta and alpha bands significantly correlated with their GCRV values. Patients with higher PLV (r = 0.560, 0.406), as well as better preserved network (lower average path length (r = -0.522, -0.483), higher clustering coefficient (r = 0.522, 0.445), and small-world (r = 0.522, 0.445) at theta and alpha bands, presented higher GCRV. The functional connectivity, which is significantly correlated with frontal GCRV, is also mainly located in the frontal region. These correlations were not significant at other frequency bands: Delta, beta, and gamma bands. Conclusion These findings suggested that the CRS-R-diagnosed post-anoxic patients with UWS had very different cortical conditions. Functional networks and cortical excitability measured by TMS-EEG could complement behavioral assessment to assess these patients' cortical conditions. Significance It provides a deeper understanding of neurophysiological dysfunction in patients with UWS and hints to the clinics that neural-electrophysiological assessment for such patients may be necessary to acquire their brain conditions, which may benefit stratified management for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Neurosurgery, The Characteristic Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Zhuhai University of Macau (UM) Science & Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wende Li
- Senior Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China,Department of Neurosurgery, The Seventh Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xia
- Senior Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China,Department of Neurosurgery, The Seventh Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyu Xia,
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Vitello MM, Briand M, Ledoux D, Annen J, El Tahry R, Laureys S, Martin D, Gosseries O, Thibaut A. Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation to treat disorders of consciousness: Protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100360. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2022.100360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are a challenging population prone to misdiagnosis with limited effective treatment options. Among neuromodulation techniques, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) may act through a bottom-up manner to modulate thalamo-cortical connectivity and promote patients’ recovery. In this clinical trial, we aim to (1) assess the therapeutic clinical effects of taVNS in patients with DoC; (2) investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of its action; (3) assess the feasibility and safety of the procedure in this challenging population; (4) define the phenotype of clinical responders; and (5) assess the long-term efficacy of taVNS in terms of functional outcomes. Methods We will conduct a prospective parallel randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial investigating the effects of taVNS as a treatment in DoC patients. Forty-four patients in the early period post-injury (7 to 90 days following the injury) will randomly receive 5 days of either active bilateral vagal stimulation (45 min duration with 30s alternative episodes of active/rest periods; 3mA; 200-300μs current width, 25Hz.) or sham stimulation. Behavioural (i.e., Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, CRS-R) and neurophysiological (i.e., high-density electroencephalography, hd-EEG) measures will be collected at baseline and at the end of the 5-day treatment. Analyses will seek for changes in the CRS-R and the EEG metrics (e.g., alpha band power spectrum, functional connectivity) at the group and individual (i.e., responders) levels. Discussion These results will allow us to investigate the vagal afferent network and will contribute towards a definition of the role of taVNS for the treatment of patients with DoC. We aim to identify the neural correlates of its action and pave the way to novel targeted therapeutic strategies. Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov n° NCT04065386.
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Lehrer H, Dayan I, Elkayam K, Kfir A, Bierman U, Front L, Catz A, Aidinoff E. Responses to stimuli in the 'snoezelen' room in unresponsive wakefulness or in minimally responsive state. Brain Inj 2022; 36:1167-1175. [PMID: 35978560 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2110286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory stimulation in Snoezelen room increased responsiveness after brain injury and dementia. OBJECTIVE To explore the physiological and clinical effects of Snoezelen stimulation in persons with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or minimally conscious state (UWS or MCS). DESIGN A comparative prospective observational cohort study. METHODS Ten patients with UWS and 25 in MCS were exposed to consecutive stimuli involving the 5 senses in a Snoezelen room. Heart rate (HR) and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), and scores of the Loewenstein communication scale (LCS) were obtained before and during or after the stimuli. RESULTS The stimuli increased HR values and decreased left hemisphere CBFV values in patients with MCS (p < 0.05). Stimulation increased LCS scores (from 28.48 ± 6.55 to 31.13 ± 7.14; p < 0.001) in patients with MCS, but not in the UWS group. LCS gain correlated with HR and right hemisphere CBFV gains in patients with MCS (r = 0.439 and 0.636 respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Snoezelen stimulation induced immediate improvement in communication and physiological changes in patients with MSC, and had a minor physiological effect in patients with UWS. If additional studies support these findings, it will be possible to suggest that Snoezelen stimulation can affect arousal, and possibly improve functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiela Lehrer
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel
| | - Ilil Dayan
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel
| | - Keren Elkayam
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel
| | - Adi Kfir
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel
| | - Uri Bierman
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel
| | - Lilach Front
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel
| | - Amiram Catz
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Rehabilitation Department, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elena Aidinoff
- Departments of Intensive Care for Consciousness Rehabilitation and Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, Raanana, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Rehabilitation Department, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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14
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Maurer-Karattup P, Zasler N, Thibaut A, Poulsen I, Lejeune N, Formisano R, Løvstad M, Hauger S, Morrissey AM. Neurorehabilitation for people with disorders of consciousness: an international survey of health-care structures and access to treatment, (Part 1). Brain Inj 2022; 36:850-859. [PMID: 35708273 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2059813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The provision of rehabilitation services for people with disorders of consciousness (DoC) may vary due to geographical, financial, and political factors. The extent of this variability and the implementation of treatment standards across countries is unknown. This study explored international neurorehabilitation systems for people with DoC. METHODS An online survey (SurveyMonkey®) was disseminated to all members of the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA) DoC Special Interest Group (SIG) examining existing rehabilitation systems and access to them. RESULTS Respondents (n = 35) were from 14 countries. Specialized neurorehabilitation was available with varying degrees of access and duration. Commencement of specialized neurorehabilitation averaged 3-4 weeks for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 5-8 weeks for non-traumatic brain injury (nTBI) etiologies. Length of stay in inpatient rehabilitation was 1-3 months for TBI and 4-6 months for nTBI. There were major differences in access to services and funding across countries. The majority of respondents felt there were not enough resources in place to provide appropriate neurorehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS There exists inter-country differences for DoC neurorehabilitation after severe acquired brain injury. Further work is needed to implement DoC treatment standards at an international level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Maurer-Karattup
- Head of Neuropsychology, SRH Fachkrankenhaus Neresheim (Specialty Hospital for Brain Injury), Neresheim, Germany
| | - Nathan Zasler
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University. CMO and CEO, Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, Ltd. And Tree of Life Services, Inc, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- University of Liège, Belgium, & CNRF, Physical Medicine and Sport Traumatology Department, University Hospital of LiegeComa Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Poulsen
- Head of Research, Rubric (Research Unit on Brain Injury Rehabilitation), Department of Neurorehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre , Denmark.,Research Unit of Nursing and Health Care, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Nicolas Lejeune
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium.,Institute of NeuroScience, University of Louvain, Belgium.,CHN William Lennox, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Rita Formisano
- Research Institute Santa Lucia FoundationDirector of Neurorehabilitation Hospital and Post-Coma Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianne Løvstad
- Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Solveig Hauger
- Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Marie Morrissey
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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15
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Fan J, Zhong Y, Wang H, Aierken N, He R. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves consciousness in some patients with disorders of consciousness. Clin Rehabil 2022; 36:916-925. [PMID: 35322709 DOI: 10.1177/02692155221089455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with disorders of consciousness. DESIGN AND SETTING We performed a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS Patients (N = 40) with disorders of consciousness. INTERVENTIONS Forty patients with disorders of consciousness (time since onset of the disorder 49.0 ± 24.6 days) were enrolled and randomized to groups receiving either active-rTMS or sham-rTMS. The active-TMS protocol had a frequency of 20 Hz, was delivered over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and had a 100% rest motor threshold. The sham-rTMS protocol was the same as the active protocol without magnetic stimulation over the cortex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Consciousness was evaluated by the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) before and after the four-week intervention. The ratio of patients that awakened from disorders of consciousness was followed up at discharge. RESULTS Before rTMS sessions, there were no significant differences in consciousness scores between groups. Compared to sham-rTMS (6.25 ± 1.29), patients with disorders of consciousness treated by active rTMS showed strikingly improved consciousness (8.45 ± 3.55). In-depth analysis revealed that only some patients showed obvious increases in consciousness scores induced by active rTMS. Furthermore, rTMS did not significantly enhance the awakening ratio. CONCLUSIONS rTMS showed therapeutic efficacy for improving consciousness in some, but not all, patients with disorders of consciousness. It is essential to discern the potential patients whose consciousness can be improved by rTMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, 198153Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuhua Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, 198153Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, 198153Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Nilubaier Aierken
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, 198153Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Renhong He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, 198153Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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16
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Winters B, Kuluris B, Pathmanaban R, Vanderwalt H, Thibaut A, Schnakers C. Changes of Spasticity across Time in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness: A Retrospective Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:295. [PMID: 35204057 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this retrospective study, we investigated how spasticity developed in patients diagnosed with a prolonged DOC over an almost two-year observation period (21 months), and how it related to the patients' age, gender, time since injury, etiology, level of consciousness, and anti-spastic medications. METHODS In total, 19 patients with a severe brain injury and prolonged DOC admitted to a long-term care facility were included in this study (14 male, age: 45.8 ± 15.3 years, 10 traumatic brain injury, 1.01 ± 0.99 years after brain injury, 11 minimally conscious state vs. 8 vegetative state). Each patient was assessed at admission and then quarterly, totaling eight assessments over 21 months. Spasticity was measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for both upper and lower limbs. The Western Neuro Sensory Stimulation Profile (WNSSP) was administered to assess the level of consciousness. Any other medical and demographic information of interest was obtained through medical records. Linear mixed models were used to assess each variable's impact on the change of spasticity over time. RESULTS Significant differences were observed in the evolution of spasticity in patients based on their etiology for the upper limbs [F (7, 107.29) = 2.226; p = 0.038], and on their level of consciousness for the lower limbs [F (7, 107.07) = 3.196; p = 0.004]. CONCLUSION Our preliminary results suggest that spasticity evolves differently according to the type of brain lesion and the level of consciousness. Spasticity in DOCs might therefore be mediated by different mechanisms and might have to be treated differently among patients. Future longitudinal studies should be performed prospectively in a bigger cohort and with data collection beginning earlier after brain injury to confirm our results and better understand the evolution of spasticity in this population.
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17
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Abstract
SUMMARY The definition of consciousness has been the subject of great interest for many scientists and philosophers. To better understand how evoked potentials may be identified as biomarkers of consciousness and recovery, the different theoretical models sustaining neural correlates of consciousness are reviewed. A multimodal approach can help to better predict clinical outcome in patients presenting with disorders of consciousness. Evoked potentials are inexpensive and easy-to-implement bedside examination techniques. Evoked potentials are an integral part of prognostic evaluation, particularly in cases of cognitive motor dissociation. Prognostic criteria are well established in postanoxic disorders of consciousness, especially postcardiac arrest but are less well determined in other etiologies. In the early examination, bilateral absence of N20 in disorder of consciousness patients is strongly associated with unfavorable outcome (i.e., death or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) especially in postanoxic etiologies. This predictive value is lower in other etiologies and probably also in children. Both N20 and mismatch negativity are proven outcome predictors for acute coma. Many studies have shown that mismatch negativity and P3a are characterized by a high prognostic value for awakening, but some patients presenting unresponsive wakefulness syndrome also process a P3a. The presence of long-latency event-related potential components in response to stimuli is indicative of a better recovery. All neurophysiological data must be integrated within a multimodal approach combining repeated clinical evaluation, neuroimaging, functional imaging, biology, and neurophysiology combining passive and active paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Pruvost-Robieux
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatry & Neurosciences, Sainte Anne, Paris, France
- Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Angela Marchi
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatry & Neurosciences, Sainte Anne, Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy;
| | - Eléonore Bouchereau
- Department of Anesthesiology and intensive care, GHU Paris Psychiatry & Neurosciences, Sainte Anne, Paris, France; and
| | - Martine Gavaret
- Neurophysiology Department, GHU Paris Psychiatry & Neurosciences, Sainte Anne, Paris, France
- Paris University, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 1266, Paris, France
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18
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Golkowski D, Willnecker R, Rösler J, Ranft A, Schneider G, Jordan D, Ilg R. Dynamic Patterns of Global Brain Communication Differentiate Conscious From Unconscious Patients After Severe Brain Injury. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:625919. [PMID: 34566586 PMCID: PMC8458756 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.625919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurophysiology of the subjective sensation of being conscious is elusive; therefore, it remains controversial how consciousness can be recognized in patients who are not responsive but seemingly awake. During general anesthesia, a model for the transition between consciousness and unconsciousness, specific covariance matrices between the activity of brain regions that we call patterns of global brain communication reliably disappear when people lose consciousness. This functional magnetic imaging study investigates how patterns of global brain communication relate to consciousness and unconsciousness in a heterogeneous sample during general anesthesia and after brain injury. First, we describe specific patterns of global brain communication during wakefulness that disappear during propofol (n = 11) and sevoflurane (n = 14) general anesthesia. Second, we search for these patterns in a cohort of unresponsive wakeful patients (n = 18) and unmatched healthy controls (n = 20) in order to evaluate their potential use in clinical practice. We found that patterns of global brain communication characterized by high covariance in sensory and motor areas or low overall covariance and their dynamic change were strictly associated with intact consciousness in this cohort. In addition, we show that the occurrence of these two patterns is significantly related to activity within the frontoparietal network of the brain, a network known to play a crucial role in conscious perception. We propose that this approach potentially recognizes consciousness in the clinical routine setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Golkowski
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Willnecker
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer Rösler
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Ranft
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schneider
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Denis Jordan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Ilg
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Asklepios Clinic, Department of Neurology, Bad Tölz, Germany
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19
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Bagnato S, D’Ippolito ME, Boccagni C, De Tanti A, Lucca LF, Nardone A, Salucci P, Fiorilla T, Pingue V, Gennaro S, Ursino M, Colombo V, Barone T, Rubino F, Andriolo M. Sustained Axonal Degeneration in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1068. [PMID: 34439687 PMCID: PMC8394581 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Sustained axonal degeneration may play a critical role in prolonged disorder of consciousness (DOCs) pathophysiology. We evaluated levels of neurofilament light chain (NFL), an axonal injury marker, in patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and in the minimally conscious state (MCS) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). (2) Methods: This prospective multicenter blinded study involved 70 patients with prolonged DOC and 70 sex-/age-matched healthy controls. Serum NFL levels were evaluated at 1-3 and 6 months post-injury and compared with those of controls. NFL levels were compared by DOC severity (UWS vs. MCS) and etiology (TBI vs. HIBI). (3) Results: Patients' serum NFL levels were significantly higher than those of controls at 1-3 and 6 months post-injury (medians, 1729 and 426 vs. 90 pg/mL; both p < 0.0001). NFL levels were higher in patients with UWS than in those in MCS at 1-3 months post-injury (p = 0.008) and in patients with HIBI than in those with TBI at 6 months post-injury (p = 0.037). (4) Conclusions: Patients with prolonged DOC present sustained axonal degeneration that is affected differently over time by brain injury severity and etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Bagnato
- Unit of Neurophysiology and Unit for Severe Acquired Brain Injuries, Rehabilitation Department, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (C.B.); (T.F.); (F.R.)
| | - Maria Enza D’Ippolito
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.E.D.); (M.A.)
| | - Cristina Boccagni
- Unit of Neurophysiology and Unit for Severe Acquired Brain Injuries, Rehabilitation Department, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (C.B.); (T.F.); (F.R.)
| | - Antonio De Tanti
- Cardinal Ferrari Center, 43012 Fontanellato, Italy; (A.D.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Lucia Francesca Lucca
- RAN (Research in Advanced Neuro-Rehabilitation), S. Anna Institute, 88900 Crotone, Italy; (L.F.L.); (M.U.)
| | - Antonio Nardone
- Neurorehabilitation and Spinal Units, ICS Maugeri, Institute of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.N.); (V.P.)
| | - Pamela Salucci
- Montecatone Rehabilitation Institute, 40026 Imola, Italy; (P.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Teresa Fiorilla
- Unit of Neurophysiology and Unit for Severe Acquired Brain Injuries, Rehabilitation Department, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (C.B.); (T.F.); (F.R.)
| | - Valeria Pingue
- Neurorehabilitation and Spinal Units, ICS Maugeri, Institute of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.N.); (V.P.)
| | - Serena Gennaro
- Cardinal Ferrari Center, 43012 Fontanellato, Italy; (A.D.T.); (S.G.)
| | - Maria Ursino
- RAN (Research in Advanced Neuro-Rehabilitation), S. Anna Institute, 88900 Crotone, Italy; (L.F.L.); (M.U.)
| | - Valentina Colombo
- Montecatone Rehabilitation Institute, 40026 Imola, Italy; (P.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Teresa Barone
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Service, 90015 Cefalù, Italy;
| | - Francesca Rubino
- Unit of Neurophysiology and Unit for Severe Acquired Brain Injuries, Rehabilitation Department, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (C.B.); (T.F.); (F.R.)
| | - Maria Andriolo
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, 90015 Cefalù, Italy; (M.E.D.); (M.A.)
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20
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Daia C, Scheau C, Spinu A, Andone I, Popescu C, Toader C, Bumbea AM, Verenca MC, Onose G. Modulated Neuroprotection in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1044. [PMID: 34439663 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We aimed to assess the effects of modulated neuroprotection with intermittent administration in patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Retrospective analysis of 60 patients divided into two groups, with and without neuroprotective treatment with Actovegin, Cerebrolysin, pyritinol, L-phosphothreonine, L-glutamine, hydroxocobalamin, alpha-lipoic acid, carotene, DL-α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, thiamine, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, Q 10 coenzyme, and L-carnitine alongside standard treatment. Main outcome measures: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) after TBI, Extended Glasgow Coma Scale (GOS E), Disability Rankin Scale (DRS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), all assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after TBI. Results: Patients receiving neuroprotective treatment recovered more rapidly from UWS than controls (p = 0.007) passing through a state of minimal consciousness and gradually progressing until the final evaluation (p = 0.000), towards a high cognitive level MOCA = 22 ± 6 points, upper moderate disability GOS-E = 6 ± 1, DRS = 6 ± 4, and an assisted gait, FIM =101 ± 25. The improvement in cognitive and physical functioning was strongly correlated with lower UWS duration (−0.8532) and higher GCS score (0.9803). Conclusion: Modulated long-term neuroprotection may be the therapeutic key for patients to overcome UWS after severe TBI.
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21
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Kujawa K, Zurek G, Kwiatkowska A, Olejniczak R, Żurek A. Assessment of Language Functions in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness Using an Alternative Communication Tool. Front Neurol 2021; 12:684362. [PMID: 34354661 PMCID: PMC8329337 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.684362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to describe the percentage of tasks involving language functions that were completed by patients diagnosed with disorders of consciousness, as observed during neurorehabilitation conducted for different periods of time using an alternative communication tool. The project involved six participants, who were observed for 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. The patients were asked to solve tasks involving language functions with the use of an eye-controlled device. The language functions were evaluated on the basis of the average number of tasks performed by the patients, which was 70.45% for the whole subject group. It is not entirely clear what determined the changes in language functions during the research. It is crucial that patients performed the presented tasks even though their state of consciousness, as confirmed through medical documentation (unresponsive wakefulness syndrome), did not suggest the possibility of establishing any contact with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kujawa
- Department of Biostructure University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
- Neurorehabilitation Clinic, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Zurek
- Department of Biostructure University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Alina Żurek
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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22
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Desideri L. Music Stimulation for People with Disorders of Consciousness: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:858. [PMID: 34203250 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Music stimulation is considered to be a valuable form of intervention for people with severe brain injuries and prolonged disorders of consciousness (i.e., unresponsive wakefulness/vegetative state or minimally conscious state). This review was intended to provide an overall picture of work conducted during the last decade to assess the impact of music on behavioral and non-behavioral responses of people with disorders of consciousness. Following the PRISMA-ScR checklist, a scoping review was carried out to identify and provide a synthesis of eligible studies published in English during the 2010–2021 period. Three databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were employed for the literature search. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Those studies were grouped into three categories based on whether they assessed the effects of: (i) recorded music, (ii) interactive music, or (iii) response-contingent music. A narrative synthesis of the studies of each of the three categories was eventually provided. While the studies of all three categories reported fairly positive/encouraging results, several methodological questions make it difficult to draw conclusions about those results and their implications for intervention programs in daily contexts.
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23
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Wutzl B, Golaszewski SM, Leibnitz K, Langthaler PB, Kunz AB, Leis S, Schwenker K, Thomschewski A, Bergmann J, Trinka E. Narrative Review: Quantitative EEG in Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060697. [PMID: 34070647 PMCID: PMC8228474 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we focus on the role of quantitative EEG technology in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally conscious state. This paper is divided into two main parts, i.e., diagnosis and prognosis, each consisting of three subsections, namely, (i) resting-state EEG, including spectral power, functional connectivity, dynamic functional connectivity, graph theory, microstates and nonlinear measurements, (ii) sleep patterns, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, slow-wave sleep and sleep spindles and (iii) evoked potentials, including the P300, mismatch negativity, the N100, the N400 late positive component and others. Finally, we summarize our findings and conclude that QEEG is a useful tool when it comes to defining the diagnosis and prognosis of DOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Wutzl
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (B.W.); (K.L.)
- Symbiotic Intelligent Systems Research Center, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Stefan M. Golaszewski
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Space Neurology, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Kenji Leibnitz
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (B.W.); (K.L.)
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Patrick B. Langthaler
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Department of Mathematics, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander B. Kunz
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Space Neurology, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Leis
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Kerstin Schwenker
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Space Neurology, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Aljoscha Thomschewski
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jürgen Bergmann
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, Affiliated Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (S.M.G.); (P.B.L.); (A.B.K.); (S.L.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (J.B.)
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Neurorehabilitation and Space Neurology, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Center, and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-5-7255-34600
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Liu B, Zhang X, Wang L, Li Y, Hou J, Duan G, Guo T, Wu D. Outcome Prediction in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Minimally Conscious State by Non-linear Dynamic Analysis of the EEG. Front Neurol 2021; 12:510424. [PMID: 33692735 PMCID: PMC7937604 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.510424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of non-linear dynamic analysis (NDA) of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in predicting patient outcome in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study. A total of 98 and 64 UWS and MCS cases, respectively, were assessed. During admission, EEGs were acquired under eyes-closed and pain stimulation conditions. EEG nonlinear indices, including approximate entropy (ApEn) and cross-ApEn, were calculated. The modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (mGOS) was employed to assess functional prognosis 1 year following brain injury. Results: The mGOS scores were improved in 25 (26%) patients with UWS and 42 (66%) with MCS. Under the painful stimulation condition, both non-linear indices were lower in patients with UWS than in those with MCS. The frontal region, periphery of the primary sensory area (S1), and forebrain structure might be the key points modulating disorders of consciousness. The affected local cortical networks connected to S1 and unaffected distant cortical networks connecting S1 to the prefrontal area played important roles in mGOS score improvement. Conclusions: NDA provides an objective assessment of cortical excitability and interconnections of residual cortical functional islands. The impaired interconnection of the residual cortical functional island meant a poorer prognosis. The activation in the affected periphery of the S1 and the increase in the interconnection of affected local cortical areas around the S1 and unaffected S1 to the prefrontal and temporal areas meant a relatively favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohu Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijia Wang
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guoping Duan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Guo
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongyu Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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25
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Boltzmann M, Schmidt SB, Gutenbrunner C, Krauss JK, Stangel M, Höglinger GU, Wallesch CW, Münte TF, Rollnik JD. Auditory Stimulation Modulates Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome Patients. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:554194. [PMID: 33664643 PMCID: PMC7921457 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.554194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Passive listening to music is associated with several psychological and physical benefits in both, healthy and diseased populations. In this fMRI study, we examined whether preferred music has effects on the functional connectivity within resting-state networks related to consciousness. Thirteen patients in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and 18 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Both groups were exposed to different auditory stimulation (scanner noise, preferred music, and aversive auditory stimulation). Functional connectivity was analyzed using a seed-based approach. In HC, no differences were found between the three conditions, indicating that their networks are already working at high level. UWS patients showed impaired functional connectivity within all resting-state networks. In addition, functional connectivity of the auditory network was modulated by preferred music and aversive auditory stimulation. Hence, both conditions have the potential to modulate brain activity of UWS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joachim K Krauss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Stangel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas F Münte
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jens D Rollnik
- BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf, Hessisch Oldendorf, Germany
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26
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Noé E, Ferri J, Olaya J, Navarro MD, O'Valle M, Colomer C, Moliner B, Ippoliti C, Maza A, Llorens R. When, How, and to What Extent Are Individuals with Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome Able to Progress? Neurobehavioral Progress. Brain Sci 2021; 11:126. [PMID: 33478033 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate estimation of the neurobehavioral progress of patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) is essential to anticipate their most likely clinical course and guide clinical decision making. Although different studies have described this progress and possible predictors of neurobehavioral improvement in these patients, they have methodological limitations that could restrict the validity and generalization of the results. This study investigates the neurobehavioral progress of 100 patients with UWS consecutively admitted to a neurorehabilitation center using systematic weekly assessments based on standardized measures, and the prognostic factors of changes in their neurobehavioral condition. Our results showed that, during the analyzed period, 34% of the patients were able to progress from UWS to minimally conscious state (MCS), 12% of the total sample (near one third from those who progressed to MCS) were able to emerge from MCS, and 10% of the patients died. Transition to MCS was mostly denoted by visual signs, which appeared either alone or in combination with motor signs, and was predicted by etiology and the score on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised at admission with an accuracy of 75%. Emergence from MCS was denoted in the same proportion by functional communication and object use. Predictive models of emergence from MCS and mortality were not valid and the identified predictors could not be accounted for.
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27
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Olaya J, Noé E, Navarro MD, O’Valle M, Colomer C, Moliner B, Ippoliti C, Ferri J, Maza A, Llorens R. When, How, and to What Extent Are Individuals with Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome Able to Progress? Functional Independence. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120990. [PMID: 33339138 PMCID: PMC7765669 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate estimation of the functional independence of patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) is essential to adjust family and clinical expectations and plan long-term necessary resources. Although different studies have described the clinical course of these patients, they have methodological limitations that could restrict generalization of the results. This study investigates the neurobehavioral progress of 100 patients with UWS consecutively admitted to a neurorehabilitation center using systematic weekly assessments based on standardized measures, and the functional independence staging of those patients who emerged from a minimally conscious state (MCS) during the first year post-emergence. Our results showed that one year after emergence, most patients were severely dependent, although some of them showed extreme or moderate severity. Clinically meaningful functional improvement was less likely to occur in cognitively-demanding activities, such as activities of daily living and executive function. Consequently, the use of specific and staging functional independence measures, with domain-specific evaluations, are recommended to detect the functional changes that might be expected in these patients. The information provided by these instruments, together with that obtained from repeated assessments of the preserved consciousness with standardized instruments, could help clinicians to adjust expectations and plan necessary resources for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Olaya
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
| | - Enrique Noé
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-335-2506
| | - María Dolores Navarro
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
| | - Myrtha O’Valle
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
| | - Carolina Colomer
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
| | - Belén Moliner
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
| | - Camilla Ippoliti
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
| | - Joan Ferri
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
| | - Anny Maza
- Neurorehabilitation and Brain Research Group, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46011 València, Spain;
| | - Roberto Llorens
- NEURORHB, Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación de Hospitales Vithas, Fundación Vithas, Callosa d’En Sarrià 12, 46007 València, Spain; (J.O.); (M.D.N.); (M.O.); (C.C.); (B.M.); (C.I.); (J.F.); or (R.L.)
- Neurorehabilitation and Brain Research Group, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46011 València, Spain;
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Sinitsyn DO, Poydasheva AG, Bakulin IS, Legostaeva LA, Iazeva EG, Sergeev DV, Sergeeva AN, Kremneva EI, Morozova SN, Lagoda DY, Casarotto S, Comanducci A, Ryabinkina YV, Suponeva NA, Piradov MA. Detecting the Potential for Consciousness in Unresponsive Patients Using the Perturbational Complexity Index. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E917. [PMID: 33260944 PMCID: PMC7760168 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The difficulties of behavioral evaluation of prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC) motivate the development of brain-based diagnostic approaches. The perturbational complexity index (PCI), which measures the complexity of electroencephalographic (EEG) responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), showed a remarkable sensitivity in detecting minimal signs of consciousness in previous studies. Here, we tested the reliability of PCI in an independently collected sample of 24 severely brain-injured patients, including 11 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), 12 minimally conscious state (MCS) patients, and 1 emergence from MCS patient. We found that the individual maximum PCI value across stimulation sites fell within the consciousness range (i.e., was higher than PCI*, which is an empirical cutoff previously validated on a benchmark population) in 11 MCS patients, yielding a sensitivity of 92% that surpassed qualitative evaluation of resting EEG. Most UWS patients (n = 7, 64%) showed a slow and stereotypical TMS-EEG response, associated with low-complexity PCI values (i.e., ≤PCI*). Four UWS patients (36%) provided high-complexity PCI values, which might suggest a covert capacity for consciousness. In conclusion, this study successfully replicated the performance of PCI in discriminating between UWS and MCS patients, further motivating the application of TMS-EEG in the workflow of DOC evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry O. Sinitsyn
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Alexandra G. Poydasheva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Ilya S. Bakulin
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Liudmila A. Legostaeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Elizaveta G. Iazeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Dmitry V. Sergeev
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Anastasia N. Sergeeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Elena I. Kremneva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Sofya N. Morozova
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Dmitry Yu. Lagoda
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Silvia Casarotto
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | | | - Yulia V. Ryabinkina
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Natalia A. Suponeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Michael A. Piradov
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, Moscow 125367, Russia; (A.G.P.); (I.S.B.); (L.A.L.); (E.G.I.); (D.V.S.); (A.N.S.); (E.I.K.); (S.N.M.); (D.Y.L.); (Y.V.R.); (N.A.S.); (M.A.P.)
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Pan J, Xie Q, Qin P, Chen Y, He Y, Huang H, Wang F, Ni X, Cichocki A, Yu R, Li Y. Prognosis for patients with cognitive motor dissociation identified by brain-computer interface. Brain 2020; 143:1177-1189. [PMID: 32101603 PMCID: PMC7174053 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive motor dissociation describes a subset of patients with disorders of consciousness who show neuroimaging evidence of consciousness but no detectable command-following behaviours. Although essential for family counselling, decision-making, and the design of rehabilitation programmes, the prognosis for patients with cognitive motor dissociation remains under-investigated. The current study included 78 patients with disorders of consciousness who showed no detectable command-following behaviours. These patients included 45 patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and 33 patients in a minimally conscious state, as diagnosed using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised. Each patient underwent an EEG-based brain-computer interface experiment, in which he or she was instructed to perform an item-selection task (i.e. select a photograph or a number from two candidates). Patients who achieved statistically significant brain-computer interface accuracies were identified as cognitive motor dissociation. Two evaluations using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, one before the experiment and the other 3 months later, were carried out to measure the patients’ behavioural improvements. Among the 78 patients with disorders of consciousness, our results showed that within the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome patient group, 15 of 18 patients with cognitive motor dissociation (83.33%) regained consciousness, while only five of the other 27 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome patients without significant brain-computer interface accuracies (18.52%) regained consciousness. Furthermore, within the minimally conscious state patient group, 14 of 16 patients with cognitive motor dissociation (87.5%) showed improvements in their Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scores, whereas only four of the other 17 minimally conscious state patients without significant brain-computer interface accuracies (23.53%) had improved Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scores. Our results suggest that patients with cognitive motor dissociation have a better outcome than other patients. Our findings extend current knowledge of the prognosis for patients with cognitive motor dissociation and have important implications for brain-computer interface-based clinical diagnosis and prognosis for patients with disorders of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Pan
- Center for Brain-Computer Interfaces and Brain Information Processing, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,School of Software, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyou Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengmin Qin
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanbin He
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Severe Rehabilitation, Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyun Huang
- Center for Brain-Computer Interfaces and Brain Information Processing, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Center for Brain-Computer Interfaces and Brain Information Processing, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,School of Software, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ni
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andrzej Cichocki
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), Moscow 143026, Russia.,Nicolaus Copernicus University (UMK), Torun 87-100, Poland
| | - Ronghao Yu
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanqing Li
- Center for Brain-Computer Interfaces and Brain Information Processing, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION New guidelines regarding the diagnosis of disorders of consciousness (DOC) (such as vegetative state and minimally conscious state) have recently been published by the American Academy of Neurology and the European Academy of Neurology. This follows an impressive number of prospective studies performed on DOC and recent multi-centric studies with larger sample size, which have gathered precious information on the recovery of cohort of patients through years and which now call for a better management of patients with DOC. AREAS COVERED This review will discuss recent updates on the clinical entities of DOC, the challenges for an accurate diagnosis and the last developments in diagnostic tools. EXPERT OPINION The authors will also discuss the impact of the new guidelines on their way of diagnosing patients and how diagnosis will most likely change in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Schnakers
- Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare , Pomona, CA, USA
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31
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Maggio MG, Naro A, La Rosa G, Cambria A, Lauria P, Billeri L, Latella D, Manuli A, Calabrò RS. Virtual Reality Based Cognitive Rehabilitation in Minimally Conscious State: A Case Report with EEG Findings and Systematic Literature Review. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E414. [PMID: 32630179 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic disorders of consciousness cause a total or partial and fluctuating unawareness of the surrounding environment. Virtual reality (VR) can be useful as a diagnostic and/or a neurorehabilitation tool, and its effects can be monitored by means of both clinical and electroencephalography (EEG) data recording of brain activity. We reported on the case of a 17-year-old patient with a disorder of consciousness (DoC) who was provided with VR training to improve her cognitive-behavioral outcomes, which were assessed using clinical scales (the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, the Disability Rating Scale, and the Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning), as well as EEG recording, during VR training sessions. At the end of the training, significant improvements in both clinical and neurophysiological outcomes were achieved. Then, we carried out a systematic review of the literature to investigate the role of EEG and VR in the management of patients with DoC. A search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was performed, using the keywords: “disorders of consciousness” and “virtual reality”, or “EEG”. The results of the literature review suggest that neurophysiological data in combination with VR could be useful in evaluating the reactions induced by different paradigms in DoC patients, helping in the differential diagnosis. In conclusion, the EEG plus VR approach used with our patient could be promising to define the most appropriate stimulation protocol, so as to promote a better personalization of the rehabilitation program. However, further clinical trials, as well as meta-analysis of the literature, are needed to be affirmative on the role of VR in patients with DoC.
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Gao Y, Ma L, Liang F, Zhang Y, Yang L, Liu X, Yang J. The use of amantadine in patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome after severe cerebral hemorrhage. Brain Inj 2020; 34:1084-1088. [PMID: 32552090 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1780315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amantadine is currently recommended for use in patients of post-traumatic brain injury with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). However, the application of amantadine in UWS after cerebral hemorrhage has only been rarely reported. This allows for a further exploration of the role of amantadine in the treatment of UWS resulting from a severe cerebral hemorrhage. METHODS We observed the changes of seven patients with UWS of intracerebral hemorrhage after taking amantadine. We also carried out a detailed neurological examination of the patient with disorders of consciousness to include or exclude subjects for the study. CRS-R score was used to evaluate the neurological recovery. RESULTS An improvement in consciousness was observed within 3-6 days after the start of amantadine administration in all seven cases (n = 7/7; 100%). Five patients recovered conscious and left aphasia, hemiplegia and other sequelae, and two patients recovered from UWS to minimally conscious state (MCS). CONCLUSIONS In this study, amantadine administration showed substantial positive effects on recovery following severe cerebral hemorrhage. We recommend further randomized controlled studies to determine the efficacy of amantadine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Ma
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Fang Liang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Xuehua Liu
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
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Cortese D, Riganello F, Arcuri F, Lucca L, Tonin P, Schnakers C, Laureys S. The Trace Conditional Learning of the Noxious Stimulus in UWS Patients and Its Prognostic Value in a GSR and HRV Entropy Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:97. [PMID: 32327985 PMCID: PMC7161674 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of the consciousness level of Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS) patients often depends on a subjective interpretation of the observed spontaneous and volitional behavior. To date, the misdiagnosis level is around 30%. The aim of this study was to observe the behavior of UWS patients, during the administration of noxious stimulation by a Trace Conditioning protocol, assessed by the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) entropy. We recruited 13 Healthy Control (HC) and 30 UWS patients at 31 ± 9 days from the acute event evaluated by Coma Recovery Scale–Revised (CRS-R) and Nociception Coma Scale (NCS). Two different stimuli [musical stimulus (MUS) and nociceptive stimulus (NOC)], preceded, respectively by two different tones, were administered following the sequences (A) MUS1 – NOC1 – MUS2 – MUS3 – NOC2 – MUS4 – NOC3 – NOC*, and (B) MUS1*, NOC1*, NOC2*, MUS2*, NOC3*, MUS3*, NOC4*, MUS4*. All the (*) indicate the only tones administration. CRS-R and NCS assessments were repeated for three consecutive weeks. MUS4, NOC3, and NOC* were compared for GSR wave peak magnitude, time to reach the peak, and time of wave's decay by Wilcoxon's test to assess the Conditioned Response (CR). The Sample Entropy (SampEn) was recorded in baseline and both sequences. Machine Learning approach was used to identify a rule to discriminate the CR. The GSR magnitude of CR was higher comparing music stimulus (p < 0.0001) and CR extinction (p < 0.002) in nine patients and in HC. Patients with CR showed a higher SampEn in sequence A compared to patients without CR. Within the third and fourth weeks from protocol administration, eight of the nine patients (88.9%) evolved into MCS. The Machine-learning showed a high performance to differentiate presence/absence of CR (≥95%). The possibility to observe the CR to the noxious stimulus, by means of the GSR and SampEn, can represent a potential method to reduce the misdiagnosis in UWS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cortese
- Research in Advanced NeuroRehabilitation, Istituto Sant'Anna, Crotone, Italy
| | - Francesco Riganello
- Research in Advanced NeuroRehabilitation, Istituto Sant'Anna, Crotone, Italy.,Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University & Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Francesco Arcuri
- Research in Advanced NeuroRehabilitation, Istituto Sant'Anna, Crotone, Italy
| | - Lucia Lucca
- Research in Advanced NeuroRehabilitation, Istituto Sant'Anna, Crotone, Italy
| | - Paolo Tonin
- Research in Advanced NeuroRehabilitation, Istituto Sant'Anna, Crotone, Italy
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- Neurosurgery Department, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers of Healthcare, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University & Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Joseph Lane
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain, and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain and Consciousness Research Center, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Institute of European and American Studies, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Molteni E, Colombo K, Pastore V, Galbiati S, Recla M, Locatelli F, Galbiati S, Fedeli C, Strazzer S. Joint Neuropsychological Assessment through Coma/Near Coma and Level of Cognitive Functioning Assessment Scales Reduces Negative Findings in Pediatric Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E162. [PMID: 32178348 PMCID: PMC7140001 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to: (a) characterize the emergence to a conscious state (CS) in a sample of children and adolescents with severe brain injury during the post-acute rehabilitation and through two different neuropsychological assessment tools: the Rappaport Coma/Near Coma Scale (CNCS) and Level of Cognitive Functioning Assessment Scale (LOCFAS); (b) compare the evolution in patients with brain lesions due to traumatic and non-traumatic etiologies; and (c) describe the relationship between the emergence to a CS and some relevant clinical variables. In this observational prospective longitudinal study, 92 consecutive patients were recruited. Inclusion criteria were severe disorders of consciousness (DOC), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤8 at insult, age 0 to 18 years, and direct admission to inpatient rehabilitation from acute care. The main outcome measures were CNCS and LOCFAS, both administered three and six months after injury. The cohort globally shifted towards milder DOC over time, moving from overall 'moderate/near coma' at three months to 'near/no coma' at six months post-injury. The shift was captured by both CNCS and LOCFAS. CNCS differentiated levels of coma at best, while LOCFAS was superior in characterizing the emergence from coma. Agreement between scales was fair, and reduced negative findings at less than 10%. Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) vs. non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI) were older and had neurosurgical intervention more frequently. No relation between age and the level of consciousness was found overall. Concurrent administration of CNCS and LOCFAS reduced the rate of false negatives and better detected signs of arousal and awareness. This provides indication to administer both tools to increase measurement precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Molteni
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, and Centre for Medical Engineering, King’s College, London SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Katia Colombo
- Neuropsychological and Cognitive-behavioral Service, Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Valentina Pastore
- Neuropsychological and Cognitive-behavioral Service, Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Susanna Galbiati
- Neuropsychological and Cognitive-behavioral Service, Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Monica Recla
- Neuropsychological and Cognitive-behavioral Service, Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Federica Locatelli
- Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (F.L.); (S.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Sara Galbiati
- Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (F.L.); (S.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Claudia Fedeli
- Neuropsychological and Cognitive-behavioral Service, Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (V.P.); (S.G.); (M.R.); (C.F.)
| | - Sandra Strazzer
- Neurophysiatric Department, Scientific Institute, I.R.C.C.S. Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (F.L.); (S.G.); (S.S.)
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Kondziella D, Bender A, Diserens K, van Erp W, Estraneo A, Formisano R, Laureys S, Naccache L, Ozturk S, Rohaut B, Sitt JD, Stender J, Tiainen M, Rossetti AO, Gosseries O, Chatelle C. European Academy of Neurology guideline on the diagnosis of coma and other disorders of consciousness. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:741-756. [PMID: 32090418 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with acquired brain injury and acute or prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC) are challenging. Evidence to support diagnostic decisions on coma and other DoC is limited but accumulating. This guideline provides the state-of-the-art evidence regarding the diagnosis of DoC, summarizing data from bedside examination techniques, functional neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG). METHODS Sixteen members of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Scientific Panel on Coma and Chronic Disorders of Consciousness, representing 10 European countries, reviewed the scientific evidence for the evaluation of coma and other DoC using standard bibliographic measures. Recommendations followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The guideline was endorsed by the EAN. RESULTS Besides a comprehensive neurological examination, the following suggestions are made: probe for voluntary eye movements using a mirror; repeat clinical assessments in the subacute and chronic setting, using the Coma Recovery Scale - Revised; use the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness score instead of the Glasgow Coma Scale in the acute setting; obtain clinical standard EEG; search for sleep patterns on EEG, particularly rapid eye movement sleep and slow-wave sleep; and, whenever feasible, consider positron emission tomography, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), active fMRI or EEG paradigms and quantitative analysis of high-density EEG to complement behavioral assessment in patients without command following at the bedside. CONCLUSIONS Standardized clinical evaluation, EEG-based techniques and functional neuroimaging should be integrated for multimodal evaluation of patients with DoC. The state of consciousness should be classified according to the highest level revealed by any of these three approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neurosciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - A Bender
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Therapiezentrum Burgau, Burgau, Germany
| | - K Diserens
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - W van Erp
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Primary Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Estraneo
- Neurology Unit, Santa Maria della Pietà General Hospital, Nola, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Florence, Italy
| | - R Formisano
- Post-Coma Unit, Neurorehabilitation Hospital and Research Institution, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - S Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - L Naccache
- Department of Neurology, AP-HP, Groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - S Ozturk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - B Rohaut
- Department of Neurology, AP-HP, Groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Neuro-ICU, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J D Sitt
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - J Stender
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Tiainen
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A O Rossetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - O Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - C Chatelle
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Laboratory for NeuroImaging of Coma and Consciousness - Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Pistoia F, Carolei A, Bodien YG, Greenfield S, Kaplan S, Sacco S, Pistarini C, Casalena A, De Tanti A, Cazzulani B, Bellaviti G, Sarà M, Giacino J. The Comorbidities Coma Scale (CoCoS): Psychometric Properties and Clinical Usefulness in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1042. [PMID: 31681139 PMCID: PMC6812466 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although comorbidities have a well-known impact on the functional recovery of patients with disorders of consciousness, including coma, vegetative state (VS), and minimally conscious state (MCS), a specific tool for their assessment in this challenging group of patients is lacking. For this aim, a multistep process was used to develop and validate the Comorbidities Coma Scale (CoCoS) in a sample of 162 patients with a diagnosis of coma, VS or MCS admitted to four Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Units. To establish the psychometric properties of the scale, content validity, and internal consistency were investigated through Exploratory Factor Analysis in the whole sample (n = 162). Interrater reliability, assessed by the weighted Cohen's kappa (Kw), and concurrent validity of the scale as compared to the Greenfield Scale, assessed by ρ Spearman's correlation coefficient, were investigated in a subsample of patients (n = 52) within two of the above units. Our findings provided evidence of a good content validity of the scale, with the identification of a 12-factor structure representing the different comorbid dimensions of the target population. Inter-rater reliability was excellent in both the rehabilitation units where the assessment was made [Kw 0.98 (95% CI 0.96–0.99)]. CoCoS total scores correlated significantly with total scores of the Greenfield Scale (ρ = 0.932, 95% CI 0.89–0.96; P < 0.0001) indicating that CoCoS has concurrent validity while being more informative about the specific pattern of comorbidities of these challenging patients. The CoCos is a new tool which standardizes the approach to assessment of comorbid conditions and reliably identifies the category and severity of each comorbidity detected. It may be used for both clinical and research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pistoia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Carolei
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sheldon Greenfield
- Health Policy Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sherrie Kaplan
- Health Policy Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Simona Sacco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Caterina Pistarini
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Nervi, Nervi, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gianluca Bellaviti
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Sarà
- Post-Coma Rehabilitative Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Cassino, Italy
| | - Joseph Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Martens G, Fregni F, Carrière M, Barra A, Laureys S, Thibaut A. Single tDCS session of motor cortex in patients with disorders of consciousness: a pilot study. Brain Inj 2019; 33:1679-1683. [PMID: 31523995 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2019.1667537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Primary Objective: Patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) face a lack of treatments and risk of misdiagnosis, potentially due to motor impairment. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) showed promising results over the prefrontal cortex in DOC and over the primary motor cortex (M1) in stroke. Tis pilot study aimed at evaluating the behavioral effects of M1 tDCS in patients with DOC.Research Design: In this randomized double-blind sham-controlled crossover trial, we included 10 patients (49 ± 22 years, 7 ± 13 months since injury, 4 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, 6 minimally conscious state, 5 traumatic etiologies).Methods and Procedures: One session of tDCS (2 mA for 20 min) and one session of sham tDCS were applied over M1 in a randomized order with a washout period of minimum 24 h and behavioral effects were assessed using the CRS-R. At the group level, no treatment effect was identified on the total score (p = .55) and on the motor subscale (p = .75). Two patients responded to tDCS by showing a new sign of consciousness (visual pursuit and object localization).Conclusions: One session of M1 tDCS failed to improve behavioral responsiveness in patients with DOC. Other application strategies should be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Martens
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 - Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Harvard Medical School, Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manon Carrière
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 - Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alice Barra
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 - Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 - Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2 - Centre intégré pluridisciplinaire de l'étude du cerveau, de la cognition et de la conscience, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Harvard Medical School, Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Wang F, Hu N, Hu X, Jing S, Heine L, Thibaut A, Huang W, Yan Y, Wang J, Schnakers C, Laureys S, Di H. Detecting Brain Activity Following a Verbal Command in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:976. [PMID: 31572121 PMCID: PMC6753948 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The accurate assessment of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is a challenge to most experienced clinicians. As a potential clinical tool, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) could detect residual awareness without the need for the patients’ actual motor responses. Methods We adopted a simple active fMRI motor paradigm (hand raising) to detect residual awareness in these patients. Twenty-nine patients were recruited. They met the diagnosis of minimally conscious state (MCS) (male = 6, female = 2; n = 8), vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) (male = 17, female = 4; n = 21). Results We analyzed the command-following responses for robust evidence of statistically reliable markers of motor execution, similar to those found in 15 healthy controls. Of the 29 patients, four (two MCS, two VS/UWS) could adjust their brain activity to the “hand-raising” command, and they showed activation in motor-related regions (which could not be discovered in the own-name task). Conclusion Longitudinal behavioral assessments showed that, of these four patients, two in a VS/UWS recovered to MCS and one from MCS recovered to MCS+ (i.e., showed command following). In patients with no response to hand raising task, six VS/UWS and three MCS ones showed recovery in follow-up procedure. The simple active fMRI “hand-raising” task can elicit brain activation in patients with DOC, similar to those observed in healthy volunteers. Activity of the motor-related network may be taken as an indicator of high-level cognition that cannot be discerned through conventional behavioral assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyan Wang
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nantu Hu
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Rehabilitation, Hangzhou Wujing Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shan Jing
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hangzhou Wujing Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lizette Heine
- INSERM, U1028, CNRS, UMR5292, Auditory Cognition and Psychoacoustics Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Lyon, France.,Coma Science Group, GIGA-Research, CHU University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Research, CHU University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Wangshan Huang
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Yan
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Research, CHU University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Research, CHU University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Haibo Di
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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Riganello F, Larroque SK, Di Perri C, Prada V, Sannita WG, Laureys S. Measures of CNS-Autonomic Interaction and Responsiveness in Disorder of Consciousness. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:530. [PMID: 31293365 PMCID: PMC6598458 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated functional interactions between autonomic (ANS) and brain (CNS) structures involved in higher brain functions, including attention and conscious processes. These interactions have been described by the Central Autonomic Network (CAN), a concept model based on the brain-heart two-way integrated interaction. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures proved reliable as non-invasive descriptors of the ANS-CNS function setup and are thought to reflect higher brain functions. Autonomic function, ANS-mediated responsiveness and the ANS-CNS interaction qualify as possible independent indicators for clinical functional assessment and prognosis in Disorders of Consciousness (DoC). HRV has proved helpful to investigate residual responsiveness in DoC and predict clinical recovery. Variability due to internal (e.g., homeostatic and circadian processes) and environmental factors remains a key independent variable and systematic research with this regard is warranted. The interest in bidirectional ANS-CNS interactions in a variety of physiopathological conditions is growing, however, these interactions have not been extensively investigated in DoC. In this brief review we illustrate the potentiality of brain-heart investigation by means of HRV analysis in assessing patients with DoC. The authors' opinion is that this easy, inexpensive and non-invasive approach may provide useful information in the clinical assessment of this challenging patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Riganello
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, GIGA Institute, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- S. Anna Institute, Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation, Crotone, Italy
| | - Stephen Karl Larroque
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, GIGA Institute, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Carol Di Perri
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, GIGA Institute, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Valeria Prada
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal/Child Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital San Martino IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Walter G. Sannita
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal/Child Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital San Martino IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, GIGA Institute, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Kremneva EI, Legostaeva LA, Morozova SN, Sergeev DV, Sinitsyn DO, Iazeva EG, Suslin AS, Suponeva NA, Krotenkova MV, Piradov MA, Maximov II. Feasibility of Non-Gaussian Diffusion Metrics in Chronic Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9050123. [PMID: 31137909 PMCID: PMC6562474 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9050123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic accuracy of different chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC) can be affected by the false negative errors in up to 40% cases. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of a non-Gaussian diffusion approach in chronic DOC and to estimate a sensitivity of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) metrics for the differentiation of vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS) from a healthy brain state. We acquired diffusion MRI data from 18 patients in chronic DOC (11 VS/UWS, 7 MCS) and 14 healthy controls. A quantitative comparison of the diffusion metrics for grey (GM) and white (WM) matter between the controls and patient group showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in supratentorial WM and GM for all evaluated diffusion metrics, as well as for brainstem, corpus callosum, and thalamus. An intra-subject VS/UWS and MCS group comparison showed only kurtosis metrics and fractional anisotropy differences using tract-based spatial statistics, owing mainly to macrostructural differences on most severely lesioned hemispheres. As a result, we demonstrated an ability of DKI metrics to localise and detect changes in both WM and GM and showed their capability in order to distinguish patients with a different level of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I Kremneva
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - Sofya N Morozova
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Dmitry V Sergeev
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Dmitry O Sinitsyn
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Elizaveta G Iazeva
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Aleksandr S Suslin
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Natalia A Suponeva
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Marina V Krotenkova
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Michael A Piradov
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoe shosse, 125367 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ivan I Maximov
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3A, 0373 Oslo, Norway.
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Norway and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo Universitetssykehus Bygg 48 Ullevål, 0317 Oslo, Norway.
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Berlingeri M, Magnani FG, Salvato G, Rosanova M, Bottini G. Neuroimaging Studies on Disorders of Consciousness: A Meta-Analytic Evaluation. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040516. [PMID: 31014041 PMCID: PMC6517954 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging tools could open a window on residual neurofunctional activity in the absence of detectable behavioural responses in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Nevertheless, the literature on this topic is characterised by a large heterogeneity of paradigms and methodological approaches that can undermine the reproducibility of the results. To explicitly test whether task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to systematically detect neurofunctional differences between different classes of DOC, and whether these differences are related with a specific category of cognitive tasks (either active or passive), we meta-analyzed 22 neuroimaging studies published between 2005 and 2017 using the Activation Likelihood Estimate method. The results showed that: (1) active and passive tasks rely on well-segregated patterns of activations; (2) both unresponsive wakeful syndrome and patients in minimally conscious state activated a large portion of the dorsal-attentional network; (3) shared activations between patients fell mainly in the passive activation map (7492 voxels), while only 48 voxels fell in a subcortical region of the active-map. Our results suggest that DOCs can be described along a continuum—rather than as separated clinical categories—and characterised by a widespread dysfunction of brain networks rather than by the impairment of a well functionally anatomically defined one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Berlingeri
- Department of Humanistic Studies (DISTUM), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy.
- Center of Clinical Developmental Neuropsychology, ASUR Marche, Area Vasta 1 Pesaro, 61122 Pesaro, Italy.
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesca Giulia Magnani
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Center of Cognitive Neuropsychology, ASTT Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy.
| | - Gerardo Salvato
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Center of Cognitive Neuropsychology, ASTT Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy.
- Brain and Behavioral Science Department, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mario Rosanova
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy.
- Fondazione Europea di Ricerca Biomedica Onlus, 20063 Milan, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Bottini
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Center of Cognitive Neuropsychology, ASTT Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy.
- Brain and Behavioral Science Department, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Zhang Y, Wang J, Schnakers C, He M, Luo H, Cheng L, Wang F, Nie Y, Huang W, Hu X, Laureys S, Di H. Validation of the Chinese version of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). Brain Inj 2019; 33:529-533. [PMID: 30663434 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2019.1566832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE This study aims to validate the Chinese version of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). METHODS One hundred sixty-nine patients were assessed with both the CRS-R and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), diagnosed as being in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS, formerly known as vegetative state), minimally conscious state (MCS), or emergence from MCS (EMCS). A subgroup of 50 patients has been assessed twice by the same rater, within 24 h. Patient outcome was documented six months after assessment. RESULTS The internal consistency for the CRS-R total score was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.84). Good test-retest reliability was obtained for CRS-R total score and subscale scores (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.87 and ICC = 0.66-0.84, respectively). Inter-rater reliability was high (ICC = 0.719; p < 0.01). Concurrent validity was good between CRS-R total scale and GCS total scale. Diagnostic validity was excellent compared with GCS (emerged from UWS: 24%; emerged from MCS: 28%). When considering patient outcome, diagnostic validity was good. In addition, false-positive rates have been detected for both diagnoses. CONCLUSION The Chinese version of the CRS-R is a reliable and sensitive tool and can discriminate patients in UWS, MCS, and EMCS successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China.,b The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Jing Wang
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- c Research Institute , Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare , Pomona , CA , USA.,d Department of Psychiatry , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Minhui He
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China.,b The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Hong Luo
- b The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Lijuan Cheng
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China.,e Hangzhou Normal University Qianjiang College , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China.,b The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Yunzhi Nie
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China.,f Ningbo NO.7 Hospital , Ningbo , Zhejiang , China
| | - Wangshan Huang
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Xiaohua Hu
- g Department of Rehabilitation , Hangzhou Wujing Hospital , Hangzhou , China
| | - Steven Laureys
- h GIGA, GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group, University & Neurology Department , Hospital of Liege , Liege , Belgium
| | - Haibo Di
- a International Vegetative State and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
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44
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Riganello F, Chatelle C, Schnakers C, Laureys S. Heart Rate Variability as an Indicator of Nociceptive Pain in Disorders of Consciousness? J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:47-56. [PMID: 30267843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Heart rate variability is thought to reflect the affective and physiological aspects of pain and is emerging as a possible descriptor of the functional brain organization contributing to homeostasis. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the short-term Complexity Index (CIs), a measure of heart rate variability complexity is useful to discriminate responses to potentially noxious and nonnoxious stimulation in patients with different levels of consciousness. METHODS Twenty-two patients (11 minimally conscious state [MCS], 11 vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [VS/UWS]) and 14 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. We recorded the electrocardiographic response and calculated the CIs before (baseline), during, and after nonnoxious and noxious stimulation. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon's tests were used to investigate differences in CIs according to the level of consciousness (i.e., HC vs. patients and VS/UWS vs. MCS) and the three conditions (i.e., baseline, nonnoxious, noxious). The correlation between the three conditions and the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised was investigated by Spearman's correlations. RESULTS We observed higher CIs values in HC as compared with patients during the baseline (P < 0.034) and after the noxious stimulation (P < 0.0001). We also found higher values in MCS versus VS/UWS patients after the noxious condition (P < 0.001) and lower values in the noxious versus nonnoxious condition solely for the VS/UWS group (P < 0.007). A correlation was found between CIs in noxious condition and Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scores. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a less complex autonomic response to noxious stimuli in VS/UWS patients. Such method may help to better understand sympathovagal response to potentially painful stimulation in brain-injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Riganello
- GIGA Consciousness, Coma Science Group, Liège, Belgium; Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), S.Anna Institute, Crotone, Italy.
| | - Camille Chatelle
- GIGA Consciousness, Coma Science Group, Liège, Belgium; Laboratory for NeuroImaging of Coma and Consciousness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- Neurosurgery Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers of Healthcare, Pomona, California, USA
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Sanz LRD, Lejeune N, Blandiaux S, Bonin E, Thibaut A, Stender J, Farber NM, Zafonte RD, Schiff ND, Laureys S, Gosseries O. Treating Disorders of Consciousness With Apomorphine: Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Using Multimodal Assessments. Front Neurol 2019; 10:248. [PMID: 30941094 PMCID: PMC6433751 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There are few available therapeutic options to promote recovery among patients with chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC). Among pharmacological treatments, apomorphine, a dopamine agonist, has exhibited promising behavioral effects and safety of use in small-sample pilot studies. The true efficacy of the drug and its neural mechanism are still unclear. Apomorphine may act through a modulation of the anterior forebrain mesocircuit, but neuroimaging and neurophysiological investigations to test this hypothesis are scarce. This clinical trial aims to (1) assess the treatment effect of subcutaneous apomorphine infusions in patients with DOC, (2) better identify the phenotype of responders to treatment, (3) evaluate tolerance and side effects in this population, and (4) examine the neural networks underlying its modulating action on consciousness. Methods/Design: This study is a prospective double-blind randomized parallel placebo-controlled trial. Forty-eight patients diagnosed with DOC will be randomized to receive a 30-day regimen of either apomorphine hydrochloride or placebo subcutaneous infusions. Patients will be monitored at baseline 30 days before initiation of therapy, during treatment and for 30 days after treatment washout, using standardized behavioral scales (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, Nociception Coma Scale-Revised), neurophysiological measures (electroencephalography, body temperature, actigraphy) and brain imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography). Behavioral follow-up will be performed up to 2 years using structured phone interviews. Analyses will look for changes in behavioral status, circadian rhythmicity, brain metabolism, and functional connectivity at the individual level (comparing before and after treatment) and at the group level (comparing apomorphine and placebo arms, and comparing responder and non-responder groups). Discussion: This study investigates the use of apomorphine for the recovery of consciousness in the first randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial using multimodal assessments. The results will contribute to define the role of dopamine agonists for the treatment of these challenging conditions and identify the neural correlates to their action. Results will bring objective evidence to further assess the modulation of the anterior forebrain mesocircuit by pharmacological agents, which may open new therapeutic perspectives. Clinical Trial Registration: EudraCT n°2018-003144-23; Clinicaltrials.gov n°NCT03623828 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03623828).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro R. D. Sanz
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lejeune
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- CHN William Lennox, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Luc, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Neurosciences, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Séverine Blandiaux
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Estelle Bonin
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Johan Stender
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Neal M. Farber
- NeuroHealing Pharmaceuticals Inc., Newton, MA, United States
| | - Ross D. Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nicholas D. Schiff
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steven Laureys
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Olivia Gosseries
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Skibsted AP, Amiri M, Fisher PM, Sidaros A, Hribljan MC, Larsen VA, Højgaard JLS, Nikolic M, Hauerberg J, Fabricius ME, Knudsen GM, Møller K, Kondziella D. Consciousness in Neurocritical Care Cohort Study Using fMRI and EEG (CONNECT-ME): Protocol for a Longitudinal Prospective Study and a Tertiary Clinical Care Service. Front Neurol 2018; 9:1012. [PMID: 30542319 PMCID: PMC6278242 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims and Objectives: To facilitate individualized assessment of unresponsive patients in the intensive care unit for signs of preserved consciousness after acute brain injury. Background: Physicians and neuroscientists are increasingly recognizing a disturbing dilemma: Brain-injured patients who appear entirely unresponsive at the bedside may show signs of covert consciousness when examined by functional MRI (fMRI) or electroencephalography (EEG). According to a recent meta-analysis, roughly 15% of behaviorally unresponsive brain-injured patients can participate in mental tasks by modifying their brain activity during EEG- or fMRI-based paradigms, suggesting that they are conscious and misdiagnosed. This has major ethical and practical implications, including prognosis, treatment, resource allocation, and end-of-life decisions. However, EEG- or fMRI-based paradigms have so far typically been tested in chronic brain injury. Hence, as a novel approach, CONNECT-ME will import the full range of consciousness paradigms into neurocritical care. Methods: We will assess intensive care patients with acute brain injury for preserved consciousness by serial and multimodal evaluation using active, passive and resting state fMRI and EEG paradigms, as well as state-of-the-art clinical techniques including pupillometry and sophisticated clinical rating scales such as the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised. In addition, we are establishing a biobank (blood, cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, where available) to facilitate future genomic and microbiomic research to search for signatures of consciousness recovery. Discussion: We anticipate that this multimodal approach will add vital clinical information, including detection of preserved consciousness in patients previously thought of as unconscious, and improved (i.e., personalized) prognostication of individual patients. Our aim is two-fold: We wish to establish a cutting-edge tertiary care clinical service for unresponsive patients in the intensive care unit and lay the foundation for a fruitful multidisciplinary research environment for the study of consciousness in acute brain injury. Of note, CONNECT-ME will not only enhance our understanding of consciousness disorders in acute brain injury but it will also raise awareness for these patients who, for obvious reasons, have lacked a voice so far. Trial registration: The study is registered with clinicaltrials.org (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02644265).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anine P Skibsted
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Moshgan Amiri
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick M Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annette Sidaros
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melita Cacic Hribljan
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Andrée Larsen
- Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joan Lilja S Højgaard
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miki Nikolic
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Hauerberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin E Fabricius
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Moos Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Møller
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neuroanaesthesiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cavaliere C, Kandeepan S, Aiello M, Ribeiro de Paula D, Marchitelli R, Fiorenza S, Orsini M, Trojano L, Masotta O, St Lawrence K, Loreto V, Chronik BA, Nicolai E, Soddu A, Estraneo A. Multimodal Neuroimaging Approach to Variability of Functional Connectivity in Disorders of Consciousness: A PET/MRI Pilot Study. Front Neurol 2018; 9:861. [PMID: 30405513 PMCID: PMC6200912 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral assessments could not suffice to provide accurate diagnostic information in individuals with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Multimodal neuroimaging markers have been developed to support clinical assessments of these patients. Here we present findings obtained by hybrid fludeoxyglucose (FDG-)PET/MR imaging in three severely brain-injured patients, one in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), one in a minimally conscious state (MCS), and one patient emerged from MCS (EMCS). Repeated behavioral assessment by means of Coma Recovery Scale-Revised and neurophysiological evaluation were performed in the two weeks before and after neuroimaging acquisition, to ascertain that clinical diagnosis was stable. The three patients underwent one imaging session, during which two resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) blocks were run with a temporal gap of about 30 min. rs-fMRI data were analyzed with a graph theory approach applied to nine independent networks. We also analyzed the benefits of concatenating the two acquisitions for each patient or to select for each network the graph strength map with a higher ratio of fitness. Finally, as for clinical assessment, we considered the best functional connectivity pattern for each network and correlated graph strength maps to FDG uptake. Functional connectivity analysis showed several differences between the two rs-fMRI acquisitions, affecting in a different way each network and with a different variability for the three patients, as assessed by ratio of fitness. Moreover, combined PET/fMRI analysis demonstrated a higher functional/metabolic correlation for patients in EMCS and MCS compared to UWS. In conclusion, we observed for the first time, through a test-retest approach, a variability in the appearance and temporal/spatial patterns of resting-state networks in severely brain-injured patients, proposing a new method to select the most informative connectivity pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cavaliere
- IRCCS SDN, Istituto di Ricerca Diagnostica e Nucleare, Naples, Italy.,Coma Science Group, GIGA-Research, University and University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Sivayini Kandeepan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Marco Aiello
- IRCCS SDN, Istituto di Ricerca Diagnostica e Nucleare, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Rocco Marchitelli
- IRCCS SDN, Istituto di Ricerca Diagnostica e Nucleare, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fiorenza
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Maugeri ICS, IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Mario Orsini
- IRCCS SDN, Istituto di Ricerca Diagnostica e Nucleare, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Trojano
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Orsola Masotta
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Maugeri ICS, IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Keith St Lawrence
- Lawson Health Research Institute London, Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Loreto
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Maugeri ICS, IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Blaine Alexander Chronik
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Emanuele Nicolai
- IRCCS SDN, Istituto di Ricerca Diagnostica e Nucleare, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Soddu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Estraneo
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Maugeri ICS, IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
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48
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Vanhaudenhuyse A, Charland-Verville V, Thibaut A, Chatelle C, Tshibanda JFL, Maudoux A, Faymonville ME, Laureys S, Gosseries O. Conscious While Being Considered in an Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome for 20 Years. Front Neurol 2018; 9:671. [PMID: 30233480 PMCID: PMC6127614 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in our understanding of consciousness disorders, accurate diagnosis of severely brain-damaged patients is still a major clinical challenge. We here present the case of a patient who was considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state for 20 years. Repeated standardized behavioral examinations combined to neuroimaging assessments allowed us to show that this patient was in fact fully conscious and was able to functionally communicate. We thus revised the diagnosis into an incomplete locked-in syndrome, notably because the main brain lesion was located in the brainstem. Clinical examinations of severe brain injured patients suffering from serious motor impairment should systematically include repeated standardized behavioral assessments and, when possible, neuroimaging evaluations encompassing magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
- Department of Algology and Palliative Care, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,GIGA-Consciousness, Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Charland-Verville
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Camille Chatelle
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Laboratory for NeuroImaging of Coma and Consciousness-Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jean-Flory L Tshibanda
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Liege and University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Audrey Maudoux
- GIGA-Consciousness, Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville
- Department of Algology and Palliative Care, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,GIGA-Consciousness, Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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49
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Abstract
Current paradigms in Western medicine often fail to differentiate clearly between consciousness, responsiveness and personhood. The growing number of individuals who exist with sustainable cardiopulmonary systems but who are behaviorally unresponsive has prompted a cultural reconsideration of the relationship between the presence of consciousness and what it means to be a person. This article presents relevant clinical situations that exemplify the different modes in which personhood and consciousness can be associated and dissociated: disorders of consciousness, emergence from anesthesia, and neocortical death. We draw from these examples to call for a reflection on and possible revision of the dominant approach towards unresponsive persons to one in which care providers may work from the default assumption of the existence of an individual’s personhood as part of their therapeutic intervention. Behavior consistent with this assumption aligns with the principle of respect for persons in the face of the uncertainty created by the high rate of misdiagnosis of unconsciousness in unresponsive patients and is most consistent with a therapeutic approach to care considering evidence suggesting that attributing personhood may in fact evoke consciousness in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Blain-Moraes
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eric Racine
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - George A Mashour
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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50
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Guger C, Spataro R, Pellas F, Allison BZ, Heilinger A, Ortner R, Cho W, Xu R, La Bella V, Edlinger G, Annen J, Mandalá G, Chatelle C, Laureys S. Assessing Command-Following and Communication With Vibro-Tactile P300 Brain-Computer Interface Tools in Patients With Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:423. [PMID: 30008659 PMCID: PMC6034093 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Persons diagnosed with disorders of consciousness (DOC) typically suffer from motor disablities, and thus assessing their spared cognitive abilities can be difficult. Recent research from several groups has shown that non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology can provide assessments of these patients' cognitive function that can supplement information provided through conventional behavioral assessment methods. In rare cases, BCIs may provide a binary communication mechanism. Here, we present results from a vibrotactile BCI assessment aiming at detecting command-following and communication in 12 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) patients. Two different paradigms were administered at least once for every patient: (i) VT2 with two vibro-tactile stimulators fixed on the patient's left and right wrists and (ii) VT3 with three vibro-tactile stimulators fixed on both wrists and on the back. The patients were instructed to mentally count either the stimuli on the left or right wrist, which may elicit a robust P300 for the target wrist only. The EEG data from −100 to +600 ms around each stimulus were extracted and sub-divided into 8 data segments. This data was classified with linear discriminant analysis (using a 10 × 10 cross validation) and used to calibrate a BCI to assess command following and YES/NO communication abilities. The grand average VT2 accuracy across all patients was 38.3%, and the VT3 accuracy was 26.3%. Two patients achieved VT3 accuracy ≥80% and went through communication testing. One of these patients answered 4 out of 5 questions correctly in session 1, whereas the other patient answered 6/10 and 7/10 questions correctly in sessions 2 and 4. In 6 other patients, the VT2 or VT3 accuracy was above the significance threshold of 23% for at least one run, while in 4 patients, the accuracy was always below this threshold. The study highlights the importance of repeating EEG assessments to increase the chance of detecting command-following in patients with severe brain injury. Furthermore, the study shows that BCI technology can test command following in chronic UWS patients and can allow some of these patients to answer YES/NO questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Guger
- Guger Technologies OG, Graz, Austria.,g.tec Medical Engineering GmbH, Schiedlberg, Austria
| | - Rossella Spataro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Palermo, Italy.,ALS Clinical Research Center, BioNeC, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Frederic Pellas
- Post-ICU Neurorehabilitation Unit, University Hospital of Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Brendan Z Allison
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Rupert Ortner
- g.tec Medical Engineering GmbH, Schiedlberg, Austria
| | - Woosang Cho
- g.tec Medical Engineering GmbH, Schiedlberg, Austria
| | - Ren Xu
- Guger Technologies OG, Graz, Austria
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Center, BioNeC, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Günter Edlinger
- Guger Technologies OG, Graz, Austria.,g.tec Medical Engineering GmbH, Schiedlberg, Austria
| | - Jitka Annen
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Mandalá
- Rehabilitation Unit, Buccheri La Ferla Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Camille Chatelle
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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