A new study has revealed hidden signs of consciousness in comatose patients. Researchers from Columbia University analyzed 226 patients and found that about a third exhibited unique brain activity known as 'sleep spindles' in response to external stimuli. These findings suggest that some patients previously thought to be unconscious may possess awareness and may be on the path to recovery. Notably, those exhibiting these signs had higher rates of consciousness before hospital discharge, suggesting a potential for neurological recovery. This research offers hope for families of critically injured loved ones, presenting a new understanding of comatose patients' consciousness levels.
‘We're at an exciting crossroad in neurocritical care where we know that many patients appear to be unconscious, but some are recovering without our knowledge,’ said Claassen.
Brain circuits that are fundamental for consciousness are also key to how we sleep, the Columbia team explained.
Researchers analyzed 226 recent comatose patients, observing a third displayed unique bursts – a phenomenon scientists call 'sleep spindles.'
Among those displaying sleep spindles, 76 percent showed some level of consciousness before leaving the hospital and over 40 percent recovered some neurological function.
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