Disorders of consciousness (DoC), including coma, vegetative state (VS), and minimally conscious state (MCS), present significant challenges in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Accurate assessment of consciousness remains a critical issue, as misdiagnosis rates are high, particularly in differentiating between VS and MCS. Recent advances in neuroimaging (e.g., fNIRS, fMRI, PET) and electrophysiological techniques (e.g., EEG, ERP) have provided new insights into the neural correlates of consciousness. However, the integration of these multimodal approaches into clinical practice remains limited. This Research Topic aims to explore the latest developments in multimodal diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions for DoC, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through personalized treatment strategies.
The goal of this Research Topic is to address the current limitations in the diagnosis and treatment of DoC by fostering interdisciplinary research that combines neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and clinical assessments. We aim to highlight innovative approaches that integrate multimodal data to improve diagnostic accuracy, predict recovery, and guide therapeutic interventions. Recent advances in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neuromodulation techniques (e.g., tDCS, TMS, SCS, DBS), and pharmacological treatments will be explored. By bringing together leading researchers in the field, we hope to establish a comprehensive framework for the management of DoC, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
We welcome contributions that address the following themes:
1. Multimodal diagnostic tools: Integration of neuroimaging (fMRI, PET, DTI, fNIRS) and electrophysiological (EEG, ERP) techniques for accurate assessment of consciousness. 2. Prognostic markers: Identification of biomarkers and predictive models for recovery in DoC. 3. Therapeutic interventions: Advances in neuromodulation (tDCS, TMS, SCS, DBS), pharmacological treatments, and BCIs for DoC. 4. Rehabilitation strategies: Novel approaches to cognitive and motor rehabilitation in DoC patients. 5. Ethical considerations: Ethical challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of DoC.
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
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