Differential brain activity in patients with disorders of consciousness: a 3-month rs-fMRI study using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation

This study investigates brain activity in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). It examines how brain activity, measured by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), differs between patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and non-traumatic brain injury (non-TBI). The research also explores if ALFF can predict the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy in improving consciousness levels. By comparing ALFF patterns before and after SCS, the study aims to identify potential biomarkers for predicting treatment outcomes. The findings could help in better understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of consciousness and in developing more targeted therapies for patients with DoC, ultimately improving their chances of recovery and quality of life.

• 1
  Patients with TBI showed increased ALFF in the thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex, while the middle occipital lobe showed decreased ALFF.
• 2
  In the non-TBI group, a higher ALFF was noted in the precuneus, with a reduced ALFF in the occipital and temporal lobes.
• 3
  Patients with improved consciousness post-SCS exhibited distinct ALFF patterns compared with those with unchanged consciousness, particularly in the posterior cingulate and occipital regions.