The Potential Role of fNIRS in Evaluating Levels of Consciousness

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Androu Abdalmalak¹  Derek B. Debicki²  Keith St. Lawrence³  Daniel Milej³  Loretta Norton⁵  Adrian M. Owen⁶ 

[1] Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada;Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada;Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada;Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, Canada;Department of Psychology, King’s College, Western University, London, ON, Canada;Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada;Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada;

关键词: functional near-infrared spectroscopy;    motor imagery;    disorders of consciousness;    brain-computer interface;    time-resolved fNIRS;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnhum.2021.703405

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Over the last few decades, neuroimaging techniques have transformed our understanding of the brain and the effect of neurological conditions on brain function. More recently, light-based modalities such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy have gained popularity as tools to study brain function at the bedside. A recent application is to assess residual awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness, as some patients retain awareness albeit lacking all behavioural response to commands. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy can play a vital role in identifying these patients by assessing command-driven brain activity. The goal of this review is to summarise the studies reported on this topic, to discuss the technical and ethical challenges of working with patients with disorders of consciousness, and to outline promising future directions in this field.

【 授权许可】

Unknown