Progression from Vegetative to Minimally Conscious State Is Associated with Changes in Brain Neural Response to Passive Tasks: A Longitudinal Single-Case Functional MRI Study.

OBJECTIVES: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may be adopted as a complementary tool for bedside observation in the disorders of consciousness (DOC). However, the diagnostic value of this technique is still debated because of the lack of accuracy in determining levels of consciousness within a single patient. Recently, Giacino and colleagues (2014) hypothesized that a longitudinal fMRI evaluation may provide a more informative assessment in the detection of residual awareness. The aim of this study was to measure the correspondence between clinically defined level of awareness and neural responses within a single DOC patient. METHODS: We used a follow-up fMRI design in combination with a passive speech-processing task. Patient's consciousness was measured through time by using the Coma Recovery Scale. RESULTS: The patient progressed from a vegetative state (VS) to a minimally conscious state (MCS). Patient's task-related neural responses mirrored the clinical change from a VS to an MCS. Specifically, while in an MCS, but not a VS, the patient showed a selective recruitment of the left angular gyrus when he listened to a native speech narrative, as compared to the reverse presentation of the same stimulus. Furthermore, the patient showed an increased response in the language-related brain network and a greater deactivation in the default mode network following his progression to an MCS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that longitudinal assessment of brain responses to passive stimuli can contribute to the definition of the clinical status in individual patients with DOC and represents an adequate counterpart of the bedside assessment during the diagnostic decision-making process. (JINS, 2016, 22, 620-630).

Timing of intrathecal baclofen therapy in persons with acquired brain injury: influence on outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the effects of intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) delivered by a pump implanted at a very early stage in acquired brain injury (ABI). STUDY DESIGN: This investigation was a longitudinal prospective observational study, including a series of 13 ABI implanted within 6 months of the acute events. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Spasms Frequency Score (SFS) have been used as a primary outcome measure. The Disability Rating Scale (DRS) and Level of Cognitive Functioning (LCF) scores have been computed in order to verify possible interferences of baclofen therapy at an early stage on a global outcome. An intrathecal bolus test was not performed. Drug tolerability was tested by oral administration of baclofen 100 mg. RESULTS: Reduction of spasticity and spasms frequency were measured 3 months after patients received the implant and at the 1-year follow-up. There was no difference found for global outcome measure between the group of patients who received the implant earlier (within 3 months) compared to the group who received it later (between 3-6 months). CONCLUSION: ITB therapy in ABI should be considered as early as possible. The implants are safe and effective in reducing spasticity. An intrathecal bolus test was not compulsory in ABI.

Predict recovery of consciousness in post-acute severe brain injury: the role of EEG reactivity.

OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis of electroencephalographic reactivity (EEG-R) as a reliable tool for the prognostic evaluation of consciousness recovery in post-acute brain injury. METHODS: EEG was recorded in 50 unconscious patients. All patients had a GCS ≤8 and LCF score ≤2. They suffered from traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular disease or anoxia. EEG was classified according to Synek classification (1988) as benign, malignant and 'uncertain significance'. EEG-R to painful stimuli was tested. RESULTS: Twenty per cent of patients fulfilled the criteria for benign prognosis, 38% for malignant prognosis, while 42% of them were included in the 'uncertain' category, preventing them from stating a prognosis. EEG-R was detected in 48% of patients classified 'uncertain' and 92% of them recovered consciousness within 5 months from EEG recording. Multivariable analysis indicates that an unconscious patient admitted to the Rehabilitation Unit within 2 months from brain injury, with a LCF score equal to 2 and the presence of EEG-R has a probability of recovery of consciousness higher than 97%. CONCLUSION: EEG-R is a good positive factor for the prognosis of recovery of consciousness in the post-acute phase of brain injury, with a high specificity (88.9%). Nevertheless, its absence is not invariably associated with a poor prognosis.