In 2009-10 the Neurosciences theme research developed tools to assess awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness, where the rate of misdiagnosis is approximately 40%.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to confirm that a small proportion of patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious state have brain activation reflecting some awareness and cognition. Furthermore, the technique could be used to establish basic communication with patients who appear to be unresponsive.
Section:
Neurosciences
