EEG ultradian rhythmicity differences in disorders of consciousness during wakefulness

摘要: Temporal fluctuations of cognitively-mediated behaviors in minimally conscious state (MCS) have been linked to changes awareness, but the time-pattern these variations remains ill-described. We analyzed 4-h EEG recordings from 12 patients with disorders consciousness (6 MCS and 6 vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, VS/UWS). Relative powers (delta, theta, alpha, beta1 beta2 bands) spectral entropy were estimated (Fz, Cz Pz derivations). Spectral time-courses then analyzed. had higher theta alpha lower delta power when compared VS/UWS. They showed mean value time variability. characterized by periodicities 70 min (range 57-80 min). Notably, closely resemble those described awake healthy subjects, which hypothesized be related fluctuation vigilance/attention. No significant periodicity was observed for The found could reflect awareness responsible inconsistency manifestation behaviors. presence a permit clinicians better choose their time-window performing clinical assessment consciousness. It also monitor cognitive performance (i.e., response command) during complementary testing passive or active electrophysiological functional neuroimaging paradigms resting conditions.