Diagnosis of patients with a disorder of consciousness is very challenging. Previous studies investigating resting state networks demonstrate that 2 main features of the so-called default mode network (DMN), metabolism and functional connectivity, are impaired in patients with a disorder of consciousness. However, task-induced deactivation--a third main feature of the DMN--has not been explored...

A case of cerebral lipiodol embolism after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma is presented. A 76-year-old man underwent TACE for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Immediately after chemoembolization, his level of consciousness deteriorated. Computed tomography revealed deposition of iodized oil in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and thalami. Magneti...

Passive frame theory attempts to illuminate what consciousness is, in mechanistic and functional terms; it does not address the “implementation” level of analysis (how neurons instantiate conscious states), an enigma for various disciplines. However, in response to the commentaries, we discuss how our framework provides clues regarding this enigma. In the framework, consciousness is passive alb...

This special issue of Brain Injury is designed to meet the needs of both scientific and clinical experts, as well as new learners in the field of severe brain injury and disorders of consciousness. The goal of this special issue is thus to present a number of studies focusing on patients in vegetative state/ unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally conscious state, who are referred to as...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between medial cortical activation and the presence of self and consciousness in healthy subjects and patients with vegetative state and minimally conscious state using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). EXPERIMENT DESIGN We first conducted two fMRI experiments in healthy subjects to identify brain regions specifi...

A child who presents to the emergency department with an altered level of consciousness can be clinically unstable and can pose a great diagnostic challenge. The emergency clinician must quickly develop a wide differential of possible etiologies in order to administer potentially life-saving medications or interventions. The history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests can ai...

The relation between serum osmolality, glucose, sodium, bicarbonate, arterial pH, BUN and level of consciousness was studied in 189 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). There was much overlap between all laboratory values among various groups, even when there was a statistically significant difference. To find a better predictor, we defined a new factor as serum osmolality/arterial pH...