Researchers at Columbia University have made a breakthrough in identifying and understanding cognitive-motor dissociation (CMD), also known as “hidden consciousness,” in comatose patients. CMD is a condition in which patients are outwardly unresponsive but internally show signs of conscious brain activity. The results of this study may lead to improved diagnosis and adapted treatment for patients who cannot answer questions but understand what is being said to them.
CMD occurs in about 15-25% of people with brain damage from brain injury, brain hemorrhage, or cardiac arrest. It occurs when the connection between the brain’s instructions and the muscles needed to carry them out is disrupted. The research team used advanced imaging techniques to further study CMD. The study was published in the journal Brain
The study involved 107 people whose brain activity was studied using electroencephalograms (EEG) while they performed simple movements. Of these, 21 people were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and machine learning techniques were then used to identify patterns that correlated with PMC in specific brain regions.
The results of the study showed that brain structures associated with arousal and understanding of commands were intact in all patients with CMD. This suggests that verbal instructions can be heard and understood by these patients. However, structural abnormalities were observed in areas related to physical actions, which explains the inability to respond physically.
Although further research is needed to refine the methodology and improve the accuracy of detecting PMC using brain scans, this discovery may ultimately allow health care providers to make more accurate diagnoses. It may also help identify patients with a higher likelihood of recovery.
Neurologist Jan Klaassen of Columbia University emphasizes the potential impact of this study, “Our study shows that it is possible to screen for hidden consciousness using widely available structural brain imaging, which brings the detection of PMC one step closer to mainstream clinical application.”
The ultimate goal of this study is to make such analysis and detection methods widely available in all brain injury medical settings. By utilizing EEG and MRI and expanding our understanding of the types of brain injuries affecting consciousness, clinicians will be better prepared to provide appropriate care.
As research continues to find ways to help people who are comatose, it is important to better understand what level of consciousness patients have. The latest study represents a significant step forward in uncovering the hidden consciousness and offers hope for improved treatments in the future.
