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Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
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Brain-computer interfaces for patients with disorders of consciousness.
R M Gibson1, A M Owen1, D Cruse2
1The Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Progress in Brain Research
|September 4, 2016
Summary
Diagnosing disorders of consciousness is challenging. Neuroimaging and brain-computer interfaces offer promising avenues for assessing awareness and communication in patients with severe head injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Disorders of consciousness (DoC) follow severe head injuries.
- Distinguishing vegetative state (lacking awareness) from minimally conscious state (fluctuating awareness) is clinically difficult.
- Current behavioral assessments have limitations in accurately diagnosing DoC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sensory and cognitive abilities in DoC patients.
- To evaluate existing brain-computer interface (BCI) designs for DoC applications.
- To identify challenges and future directions for BCI development in DoC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuroimaging and BCI research.
- Analysis of sensory processing and cognitive functions in DoC.
- Assessment of BCI suitability for patients with disorders of consciousness.
Main Results:
- Neuroimaging aids in detecting awareness in non-responsive patients.
- BCIs show potential for communication and control in aware DoC patients.
- Significant challenges exist in developing robust and reliable BCIs for this population.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of DoC requires advanced methods beyond behavior.
- BCIs offer a pathway for restoring function and improving quality of life for DoC patients.
- Further research is needed to optimize BCI technology for individuals with disorders of consciousness.
