EDITORIAL article
Front. Neurol.
Sec. Neurocritical and Neurohospitalist Care
Editorial: Clinical imaging, neurophysiological, neuropathology and neuroethics studies on disorders of consciousness, coma mechanisms, and theories of consciousness: a unifying attempt
1. Neuropathology & Neurology Research, Neurodevelopmental and Rare CNS Disorders, Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey (BRInj) and MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates, Atlantic Health System, Cedar Knolls, NJ, United States
2. Clinical ethics Unit, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
3. Neuroscience Research, Monash Health, Stroke & Aging Research Group, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
4. Coma Science Group (GIGA-Consciousness), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Abstract
Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS) or Minimally Conscious State (MCS) presents a complex landscape requiring the integration of theoretical physics, neuroanatomy, advanced diagnostics, therapeutic intervention, and rigorous ethical consideration. This Research Topic aims to bridge these distinct yet interconnected fields. The contributing articles offer a panoramic view of the current state of DoC research, moving from the theoretical underpinnings of conscious experience to the practicalities of neuromodulation and the ethical gravity of end-of-life decisions. The quest to investigate the physical substrate and mechanisms of consciousness continues to drive theoretical innovation, as well as philosophical and ethical discussions. In a novel theoretical contribution, Strupp introduces a variation of Electromagnetic Field Theory in the form of Electromagnetic Ion Field Theory (EIFT) of consciousness. Challenging standard synapticcentric views, this theory postulates that phenomenal consciousness arises from the spatial integration of information within the brain's epineural electromagnetic field, specifically generated by ionic dynamics. Strupp proposes a shift from purely "wired" neuronal processing models to a "field-based integration", suggesting experimental validations involving electromagnetic shielding to test these binding properties.Grounding consciousness in neuroanatomy, Cacciatore et al. perform a systematic review to identify the thalamic nuclei most critical for consciousness. By synthesizing data from 167 studies, they identify the intralaminar nuclear group -specifically the centromedian-parafascicular complex (CM-Pf) -as the pivotal hub for generating and maintaining consciousness. Their findings reinforce the mesocircuit model and provide a strong anatomical rationale for selecting thalamic targets in neuromodulation therapies. Complementing this, Jung et al. investigated the structural integrity of the thalamo-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tract (TDLPFCT) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Their retrospective study reveals that the integrity of this tract, particularly in the less affected hemisphere, is significantly correlated with residual consciousness in prolonged DoC patients, highlighting the TDLPFCT as a potential biomarker for prognosis. As theoretical understanding evolves, diagnostic tools must evolve too. Nevertheless, the study highlights an emerging support for ADs among professionals, suggesting a potential shift in the ethical landscape of end-of-life care in UWS patients in China.Collectively, these articles illustrate that the future of DoC management lies in unification.We are moving toward a paradigm where theoretical physics inform neuroanatomy, which in turn guides targeted neuromodulation, all underpinned by precise, multimodal diagnostics and governed by evolving ethical frameworks. This Research Topic serves not only as a repository of current findings but as a roadmap for the interdisciplinary collaboration required to unlock the mysteries of consciousness and improve the lives of those disconnected from it.
Summary
Keywords
Coma, Consciounes, disorders of consciousness (DOC), Neuroethics, Unifying approach
Received
03 February 2026
Accepted
06 February 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Iacono, Trachsel, PHAN and Aubinet. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Diego Iacono
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