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DocumentAn echo of consciousness: Brain function during preferred music2020

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-65
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
An echo of consciousness: Brain function during preferred music
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/brain.2020.0744
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
Given its emotional and autobiographical properties, music appears as a potential aid in diagnostic assessment and therapeutics in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs). Several studies have shown boosting effects on behavior and brain functioning when patients were exposed to (their preferred) music.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate if these effects on the brain's spontaneous activity are dependent on the level of consciousness.
METHODS
Nine postcomatose patients and eight healthy control subjects were assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging in two conditions: rest (without stimulation) and music. All patients presented at least an auditory startle, thereby suggesting the presence of residual auditory function. A gradient of consciousness (from unresponsive wakefulness syndrome to healthy subjects) was formulated to evaluate consciousness-level-dependent increases in brain activity and connectivity. Network-based functional connectivity assessed auditory, default-mode, frontoparietal, and music-evoked emotion networks. Furthermore, exploratory voxel-to-voxel analyses were performed at the whole brain level using intrinsic connectivity contrast and (fractional) amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations.
RESULTS
Stronger consciousness-level-dependent increases within network-to-voxel analysis of connectivity were found in the frontoparietal network with the precuneus during music stimulation compared with rest. Voxel-to-voxel analyses showed stronger increases of intrinsic connectivity in the music condition compared with rest in regions previously related to music processing. There were consistently more regions with increased connectivity during the main effect of music compared with rest. These increases of connectivity during music were observed in brain regions involved in consciousness, language, emotion, and memory processing.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that music seems to trigger more substantial connectivity changes compared with rest, pointing toward the potential ability of music to stimulate patients' brain function. Further research should focus on effects of music in general, its specific acoustical features, and the effects of simple auditory stimuli, as well as the possible therapeutic and diagnostic effects of music in well-controlled clinical trials.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Carrière, M.
Secondary author(s):
Larroque, S. K., Martial, C, Bahri, M. A., Aubinet, C., Perrin, F., Laureys, S., Heine, L.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Carrière, M., Larroque, S. K., Martial, C., Bahri, M. A., Aubinet, C., Perrin, F., Laureys, S., & Heine, L. (2020). An echo of consciousness: Brain function during preferred music. Brain Connect, 10(7), 385-395. https://doi.org/10.1089/brain.2020.0744
2-year Impact Factor: 2.262|2020
Times cited: 35|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q4
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / (fractional) amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation / Functional connectivity / MRI / Music

DocumentAuditory localization should be considered as a sign of minimally conscious state based on multimodal findings2020

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-66
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Auditory localization should be considered as a sign of minimally conscious state based on multimodal findings
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7784043/
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Auditory localization (i.e. turning the head and/or the eyes towards an auditory stimulus) is often part of the clinical evaluation of patients recovering from coma. The objective of this study is to determine whether auditory localization could be considered as a new sign of minimally conscious state, using a multimodal approach. The presence of auditory localization and the clinical outcome at 2 years of follow-up were evaluated in 186 patients with severe brain injury, including 64 with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, 28 in minimally conscious state minus, 71 in minimally conscious state plus and 23 who emerged from the minimally conscious state. Brain metabolism, functional connectivity and graph theory measures were investigated by means of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, functional MRI and high-density electroencephalography in two subgroups of unresponsive patients, with and without auditory localization. These two subgroups were also compared to a subgroup of patients in minimally conscious state minus. Auditory localization was observed in 13% of unresponsive patients, 46% of patients in minimally conscious state minus, 62% of patients in minimally conscious state plus and 78% of patients who emerged from the minimally conscious state. The probability to observe an auditory localization increased along with the level of consciousness, and the presence of auditory localization could predict the level of consciousness. Patients with auditory localization had higher survival rates (at 2-year follow-up) than those without localization. Differences in brain function were found between unresponsive patients with and without auditory localization. Higher connectivity in unresponsive patients with auditory localization was measured between the fronto-parietal network and secondary visual areas, and in the alpha band electroencephalography network. Moreover, patients in minimally conscious state minus significantly differed from unresponsive patients without auditory localization in terms of brain metabolism and alpha network centrality, whereas no difference was found with unresponsive patients who presented auditory localization. Our multimodal findings suggest differences in brain function between unresponsive patients with and without auditory localization, which support our hypothesis that auditory localization should be considered as a new sign of minimally conscious state. Unresponsive patients showing auditory localization should therefore no longer be considered unresponsive but minimally conscious. This would have crucial consequences on these patients' lives as it would directly impact the therapeutic orientation or end-of-life decisions usually taken based on the diagnosis.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Carrière, M.
Secondary author(s):
Cassol, H., Aubinet, C., Panda, R., Thibaut, A., Larroque, S. K., Simon, J., Martial, C., Bahri, M. A., Chatelle, C., Martens, G., Chennu, S., Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Carrière, M., Cassol, H., Aubinet, C., Panda, R., Thibaut, A., Larroque, S. K., Simon, J., Martial, C., Bahri, M. A., Chatelle, C., Martens, G., Chennu, S., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2020). Auditory localization should be considered as a sign of minimally conscious state based on multimodal findings. Brain Communications, 2(2): fcaa195. https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcaa195
2-year Impact Factor: 4.8|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor only available since 2022
Times cited: 19|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Auditory localization / Diagnosis / Brain imaging / Electroencephalography

Auditory localization should be considered as a sign of minimally conscious state based on multimodal findings

Auditory localization should be considered as a sign of minimally conscious state based on multimodal findings

DocumentClinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group2020

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-69
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245720304302
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The analysis of spontaneous EEG activity and evoked potentials is a cornerstone of the instrumental evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). The past few years have witnessed an unprecedented surge in EEG-related research applied to the prediction and detection of recovery of consciousness after severe brain injury, opening up the prospect that new concepts and tools may be available at the bedside. This paper provides a comprehensive, critical overview of both consolidated and investigational electrophysiological techniques for the prognostic and diagnostic assessment of DoC. We describe conventional clinical EEG approaches, then focus on evoked and event-related potentials, and finally we analyze the potential of novel research findings. In doing so, we (i) draw a distinction between acute, prolonged and chronic phases of DoC, (ii) attempt to relate both clinical and research findings to the underlying neuronal processes and (iii) discuss technical and conceptual caveats. The primary aim of this narrative review is to bridge the gap between standard and emerging electrophysiological measures for the detection and prediction of recovery of consciousness. The ultimate scope is to provide a reference and common ground for academic researchers active in the field of neurophysiology and clinicians engaged in intensive care unit and rehabilitation.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Comanducci, A.
Secondary author(s):
Boly, M., Claassen, J., De Lucia, M., Gibson, R. M., Juan, E., Laureys, S., Naccache, L., Owen, A. M., Rosanova, M., Rossetti, A. O., Schnakers, C., Sitt, J. D., Schiff, N. D., Massimini, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Comanducci, A., Boly, M., Claassen, J., De Lucia, M., Gibson, R. M., Juan, E., ... Massimini, M. (2020). Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group. Clinical Neurophysiology, 131(11), 2736-2765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2020.07.015
2-year Impact Factor: 3.708|2020
Times cited: 130|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / EEG / Evoked potentials / Event-related potentials / Vegetative state / Minimally conscious state / Coma

Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group

Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group

DocumentConscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years2018

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-70
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years
Publication year: 2018
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00671/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Despite recent advances in our understanding of consciousness disorders, accurate diagnosis of severely brain-damaged patients is still a major clinical challenge. We here present the case of a patient who was considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state for 20 years. Repeated standardized behavioral examinations combined to neuroimaging assessments allowed us to show that this patient was in fact fully conscious and was able to functionally communicate. We thus revised the diagnosis into an incomplete locked-in syndrome, notably because the main brain lesion was located in the brainstem. Clinical examinations of severe brain injured patients suffering from serious motor impairment should systematically include repeated standardized behavioral assessments and, when possible, neuroimaging evaluations encompassing magnetic resonance imaging and F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Vanhaudenhuyse, A.
Secondary author(s):
Charland-Verville, V., Thibaut, A., Chatelle, C., Tshibanda, J. L., Maudoux, A., Faymonville, M. E., Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Vanhaudenhuyse, A., Charland-Verville, V., Thibaut, A., Chatelle, C., Tshibanda, J. L., Maudoux, A., Faymonville, M. E., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2018). Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years. Frontiers in Neurology, 9: 671. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00671
2-year Impact Factor: 2.635|2018
Times cited: 13|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Misdiagnosis / Locked-in syndrome / Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome / MRI / PET / EEG / Vegetative state

Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years

Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years

DocumentDecreased evoked slow-activity after tDCS in disorders of consciousness2020

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-71
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Decreased evoked slow-activity after tDCS in disorders of consciousness
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7546425/
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Due to life-saving medical advances, the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of consciousness (DOC) has become a more commonly occurring clinical issue. One recently developed intervention option has been non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation. This dichotomy of patient responders may be better understood by investigating the mechanism behind the transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention. The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) has been an important diagnostic tool in DOC patients. We therefore examined the neural response using TMS-EEG both before and after tDCS in seven DOC patients (four diagnosed as in a minimally conscious state and three with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome). tDCS was applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while TMS pulses were applied to the premotor cortex. None of the seven patients showed relevant behavioral change after tDCS. We did, however, find that the overall evoked slow activity was reduced following tDCS intervention. We also found a positive correlation between the strength of the slow activity and the amount of high-frequency suppression. However, there was no significant pre-post tDCS difference in high frequencies. In the resting-state EEG, we observed that both the incidence of slow waves and the positive slope of the wave were affected by tDCS. Taken together, these results suggest that the tDCS intervention can reduce the slow-wave activity component of bistability, but this may not directly affect high-frequency activity. We hypothesize that while reduced slow activity may be necessary for the recovery of neural function, especially consciousness, this alone is insufficient.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Mensen, A.
Secondary author(s):
Bodart, O., Thibaut, A., Wannez, S., Annen, J., Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Mensen, A., Bodart, O., Thibaut, A., Wannez, S., Annen, J., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2020). Decreased evoked slow-activity after tDCS in disorders of consciousness. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, 14: 62. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2020.00062
2-year Impact Factor: 3.289|2020
Times cited: 15|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Transcranial direct current stimulation / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Electroencephalography / Bistability / Slow activity / Diagnosis / Treatment

Decreased evoked slow-activity after tDCS in disorders of consciousness

Decreased evoked slow-activity after tDCS in disorders of consciousness

DocumentDiagnostic accuracy of the CRS-R index in patients with disorders of consciousness2019

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-72
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Diagnostic accuracy of the CRS-R index in patients with disorders of consciousness
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02699052.2019.1644376?journalCode=ibij20
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Objective: To obtain a CRS-R index suitable for diagnosis of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) and compare it to other CRS-R based scores to evaluate its potential for clinics and research. Design: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of several CRS-R-based scores in 124 patients with DOC. ROC analysis of the CRS-R total score, the Rasch-based CRS-R score, CRS-R-MS and the CRS-R index evaluated the diagnostic accuracy for patients with the Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS) and Minimally Conscious State (MCS). Correlations were computed between the CRS-R-MS, CRS-R index, the Rasch-based score and the CRS-R total score. Results: Both the CRS-R-MS and CRS-R index ranged from 0 to 100, with a cut-off of 8.315 that perfectly distinguishes between patients with UWS and MCS. The CRS-R total score and Rasch-based score did not provide a cut-off score for patients with UWS and MCS. The proposed CRS-R index correlated with the CRS-R total score, Rasch-based score and the CRS-R-MS. Conclusion: The CRS-R index is reliable to diagnose patients with UWS and MCS and can be used in compliance with the CRS-R scoring guidelines. The obtained index offers the opportunity to improve the interpretation of clinical assessment and can be used in (longitudinal) research protocols.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Annen, J.
Secondary author(s):
Filippini, M. M., Bonin, E., Cassol, H., Aubinet, C., Carrière, M., Gosseries, O, Thibaut, A., Barra, A., Wolff, A., Sanz, L. R. D., Martial, C., Laureys, S., Chatelle, C.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Annen, J., Filippini, M. M., Bonin, E., Cassol, H., Aubinet, C., Carrière, M., Gosseries, O., Thibaut, A., Barra, A., Wolff, A., Sanz, L. R. D., Martial, C., Laureys, S., & Chatelle, C. (2019). Diagnostic accuracy of the CRS-R index in patients with disorders of consciousness. Brain Injury, 33(11), 1409-1412. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2019.1644376
2-year Impact Factor: 1.690|2019
Times cited: 67|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: CRS-R / CRS-R index / CSR-R modified score / Disorders of consciousness / Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome / Minimally conscious state

DocumerntMirror efficiency in the assessment of visual pursuit in patients in minimally conscious state2017

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-77
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Mirror efficiency in the assessment of visual pursuit in patients in minimally conscious state
Publication year: 2017
URL:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02699052.2017.1376755?journalCode=ibij20
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Objective: Visual pursuit should be tested with a mirror in patients with disorders of consciousness. This stimulus was indeed more efficient than a person or an object, and the auto-referential aspect was supposed to be the key feature. The present study tested the hypothesis that the mirror was more efficient because of its self-aspect.Methods: The mirror was compared (1) to the patient's picture and to the picture of a famous face, in 22 patients in minimally conscious state and (2) to the patient's picture and a fake mirror, which had dynamical and bright aspects of the mirror, without reflecting the face, in 26 other patients in minimally conscious state.Results: The mirror was more efficient than the patient's picture, which was not statistically different from the famous face. The second part of the study confirmed the statistical difference between the mirror and the picture. However, the fake mirror was neither statistically different from the mirror nor from the picture.Conclusions: Although our results suggest that the hypothesis proposed by previous studies was partly wrong, they confirm that the mirror is the best stimulus to use when assessing visual pursuit.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Wannez, S.
Secondary author(s):
Vanhaudenhuyse, A., Laureys, S., Brédart, S.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Wannez, S., Vanhaudenhuyse, A., Laureys, S., & Brédart, S. (2017). Mirror efficiency in the assessment of visual pursuit in patients in minimally conscious state. Brain Injury, 31(11), 1429-1435. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2017.1376755
2-year Impact Factor: 2.061|2017
Times cited: 16|2025-09-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Behaviour / Assessment / Minimally conscious state / Disorders of consciousness / Visual pursuit / Mirror

DocumentPhysical therapy in patients with disorders of consciousness: Impact on spasticity and muscle contracture2018

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-80
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Physical therapy in patients with disorders of consciousness: Impact on spasticity and muscle contracture
Publication year: 2018
URL:
https://content.iospress.com/articles/neurorehabilitation/nre172229
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND: Spasticity is a frequent complication after severe brain injury, which may prevent the rehabilitation process and worsen the patients' quality of life.
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the correlation between spasticity, muscle contracture, and the frequency of physical therapy (PT) in subacute and chronic patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC).
METHODS: 109 patients with subacute and chronic disorders of consciousness (Vegetative state/Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome - VS/UWS; minimally conscious state - MCS and patients who emerged from MCS - EMCS) were included in the study (39 female; mean age: 40 +/- 13.5y; 60 with traumatic etiology; 35 VS/UWS, 68 MCS, 6 EMCS; time since insult: 38 +/- 42months). The number of PT sessions (i.e., 20 to 30 minutes of conventional stretching of the four limbs) was collected based on patients' medical record and varied between 0 to 6 times per week (low PT = 0-3 and high PT = 4-6 sessions per week). Spasticity was measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) on every segment for both upper (UL) and lower limbs (LL). The presence of muscle contracture was assessed in every joint. We tested the relationship between spasticity and muscle contracture with the frequency of PT as well as other potential confounders such as time since injury or anti-spastic medication intake.
RESULTS: We identified a negative correlation between the frequency of PT and MAS scores as well as the presence of muscle contracture. We also identified that patients who received less than four sessions per week were more likely to be spastic and suffer from muscle contracture than patients receiving 4 sessions or more. When separating subacute (3 to 12 months post-insult) and chronic (>12months post-insult) patients, these negative correlations were only observed in chronic patients. A logit regression model showed that frequency of PT influenced spasticity, whereas neither time since insult nor medication had a significant impact on the presence of spasticity. On the other hand, PT, time since injury and medication seemed to be associated with the presence of muscle contracture.
CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that, in subacute and chronic patients with DOC, PT could have an impact on patients' spasticity and muscles contractures. Beside PT, other factors such as time since onset and medication seem to influence the development of muscle contractures. These findings support the need for frequent PT sessions and regular re-evaluation of the overall spastic treatment for patients with DOC.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Thibaut, A.
Secondary author(s):
Wannez, S., Deltombe, T., Martens, G., Laureys, S., Chatelle, C.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Thibaut, A., Wannez, S., Deltombe, T., Martens, G., Laureys, S., & Chatelle, C. (2018). Physical therapy in patients with disorders of consciousness: Impact on spasticity and muscle contracture. NeuroRehabilitation, 42(2), 199-205. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-172229
2-year Impact Factor: 1.197|2018
Times cited: 19|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Spasticity / Hypertonicity / Upper motor neuron / Muscle contracture / Disorders of consciousness / Minimally conscious state / Vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome / Non-pharmacological treatment / Physical therapy

DocumentDecreased integration of EEG source-space networks in disorders of consciousness2019

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-84
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Decreased integration of EEG source-space networks in disorders of consciousness
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213158219301913
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Increasing evidence links disorders of consciousness (DOC) with disruptions in functional connectivity between distant brain areas. However, to which extent the balance of brain network segregation and integration is modified in DOC patients remains unclear. Using high-density electroencephalography (EEG), the objective of our study was to characterize the local and global topological changes of DOC patients' functional brain networks.
Resting state high-density-EEG data were collected and analyzed from 82 participants: 61 DOC patients recovering from coma with various levels of consciousness (EMCS (n = 6), MCS + (n = 29), MCS- (n = 17) and UWS (n = 9)), and 21 healthy subjects (i.e., controls). Functional brain networks in five different EEG frequency bands and the broadband signal were estimated using an EEG connectivity approach at the source level. Graph theory-based analyses were used to evaluate their relationship with decreasing levels of consciousness as well as group differences between healthy volunteers and DOC patient groups.
Results showed that networks in DOC patients are characterized by impaired global information processing (network integration) and increased local information processing (network segregation) as compared to controls. The large-scale functional brain networks had integration decreasing with lower level of consciousness.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Rizkallah, J.
Secondary author(s):
Annen, J., Modolo, J., Gosseries, O., Benquet, P., Mortaheb, S., Amoud, H., Cassol, H., Mheich, A., Thibaut, A., Chatelle, C., Hassan, M., Panda, R., Wendling, F., Laureys, S.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Rizkallah, J., Annen, J., Modolo, J., Gosseries, O., Benquet, P., Mortaheb, S., Amoud, H., Cassol, H., Mheich, A., Thibaut, A., Chatelle, C., Hassan, M., Panda, R., Wendling, F., & Laureys, S. (2019). Decreased integration of EEG source-space networks in disorders of consciousness. NeuroImage: Clinical, 23: 101841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101841
2-year Impact Factor: 4.350|2019
Times cited: 60|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / High-density electroencephalography / Functional brain networks / Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome / Minimally conscious state

Decreased integration of EEG source-space networks in disorders of consciousness

Decreased integration of EEG source-space networks in disorders of consciousness

DocumentTranscutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation and disorders of consciousness: A hypothesis for mechanisms of action2020

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-86
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation and disorders of consciousness: A hypothesis for mechanisms of action
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.00933/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Disorders of consciousness (DoC) are the hallmark of severe acquired brain injuries characterized by abnormal activity in important brain areas and disruption within and between brain networks. As DoC's therapeutic arsenal is limited, new potential therapies such as transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) have recently been explored. The potential of taVNS in the process of consciousness recovery has been highlighted in recent studies with DoC patients. However, it is not clear how taVNS plays a role in the recovery of consciousness. In this article, we first describe the neural correlates of consciousness, the vagus nerve anatomy and functions, along with the results of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies using taVNS. Based on consciousness recovery and taVNS mechanisms, we propose the Vagal Cortical Pathways model. This model highlights four consecutive pathways (A. Lower brainstem activation, B. Upper brainstem activation, C. Norepinephrine pathway, and D. Serotonin pathway) likely to have an impact on patients with a brain injury and DoC. Additionally, we suggest six different mechanisms of action: (1) Activation of the ascending reticular activating system; (2) Activation of the thalamus; (3) Re-establishment of the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical loop; (4) Promotion of negative connectivity between external and default mode networks by the activation of the salience network; (5) Increase in activity and connectivity within the external network through the norepinephrine pathway; and (6) Increase in activity within the default mode network through the serotonin pathway. This model aims to explain the potential therapeutic effects that taVNS has on brain activity in the process of consciousness recovery.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Briand, M. M.
Secondary author(s):
Gosseries, O., Staumont, B., Laureys, S., Thibaut, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Briand, M. M., Gosseries, O., Staumont, B., Laureys, S., & Thibaut, A. (2020). Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation and disorders of consciousness: A hypothesis for mechanisms of action. Frontiers in neurology, 11, 933. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00933
2-year Impact Factor: 4.003|2020
Times cited: 43|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Post-coma / Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation / Brain injury / Non-invasive brain stimulation / Brain network / Functional magnetic resonance imaging

Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation and disorders of consciousness: A hypothesis for mechanisms of action

Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation and disorders of consciousness: A hypothesis for mechanisms of action

DocumentTherapies to restore consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries: A gap analysis and future directions2021

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-89
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Therapies to restore consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries: A gap analysis and future directions
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12028-021-01227-y
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:
For patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) and their families, the search for new therapies has been a source of hope and frustration. Almost all clinical trials in patients with DoC have been limited by small sample sizes, lack of placebo groups, and use of heterogeneous outcome measures. As a result, few therapies have strong evidence to support their use; amantadine is the only therapy recommended by current clinical guidelines, specifcally for patients with DoC caused by severe traumatic brain injury. To foster and advance development of consciousness-promoting therapies for patients with DoC, the Curing Coma Campaign convened a Coma Science Work Group to perform a gap analysis.
METHODS:
We consider fve classes of therapies: (1) pharmacologic; (2) electromagnetic; (3) mechanical; (4) sensory; and (5) regenerative. For each class of therapy, we summarize the state of the science, identify gaps in knowledge, and suggest future directions for therapy development.
RESULTS:
Knowledge gaps in all fve therapeutic classes can be attributed to the lack of: (1) a unifying conceptual framework for evaluating therapeutic mechanisms of action; (2) large-scale randomized controlled trials; and (3) pharmacodynamic biomarkers that measure subclinical therapeutic efects in early-phase trials. To address these gaps, we propose a precision medicine approach in which clinical trials selectively enroll patients based upon their physiological receptivity to targeted therapies, and therapeutic efects are measured by complementary behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiologic endpoints.
CONCLUSIONS:
This personalized approach can be realized through rigorous clinical trial design and international collaboration, both of which will be essential for advancing the development of new therapies and ultimately improving the lives of patients with DoC.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Edlow, B. L.
Secondary author(s):
Sanz, L. R.,, Polizzotto, L., Pouratian, N., Rolston, J. D., Snider, S. B., Thibaut, A., Stevens, R. D., Gosseries, O., Curing Coma Campaign and its contributing members
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Edlow, B. L., Sanz, L. R., Polizzotto, L., Pouratian, N., Rolston, J. D., Snider, S. B., Thibaut, A., Stevens, R. D., Gosseries, O., & Curing Coma Campaign and its contributing members (2021). Therapies to restore consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries: A gap analysis and future directions. Neurocritical Care, 35(Suppl 1), 68-85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-021-01227-y
2-year Impact Factor: 3.210|2020
Impact factor notes: Impac factor not available yet for 2021
Times cited: 75|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Coma / Consciousness / Disorders of consciousness / Gap analysis / Precision medicine

Therapies to restore consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries: A gap analysis and future directions

Therapies to restore consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries: A gap analysis and future directions

DocumentSimplified evaluation of CONsciousness disorders (SECONDs) in individuals with severe brain injury: A validation study2021

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-94
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Simplified evaluation of CONsciousness disorders (SECONDs) in individuals with severe brain injury: A validation study
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877065720301603?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background
The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) is the gold standard to assess severely brain-injured patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC). However, the amount of time needed to complete this examination may limit its use in clinical settings. Objective. We aimed to validate a new faster tool to assess consciousness in individuals with DoC.
Methods
This prospective validation study introduces the Simplified Evaluation of CONsciousness Disorders (SECONDs), a tool composed of 8 items: arousal, localization to pain, visual fixation, visual pursuit, oriented behaviors, command-following, and communication (both intentional and functional). A total of 57 individuals with DoC were assessed on 2 consecutive days by 3 blinded examiners: one CRS-R and one SECONDs were performed on 1 day, whereas 2 SECONDs were performed on the other day. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the duration of administration of the SECONDs versus the CRS-R, and weighted Fleiss’ kappa coefficients were used to assess inter-/intra-rater reliability as well as concurrent validity.
Results
In the 57 participants, the SECONDs was about 2.5 times faster to administer than the CRS-R. The comparison of the CRS-R versus the SECONDs on the same day or the best of the 3 SECONDs led to “substantial” or “almost perfect” agreement (kappa coefficients ranging from 0.78 to 0.85). Intra-/inter-rater reliability also showed almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficients from 0.85 to 0.91 and 0.82 to 0.85, respectively).
Conclusions
The SECONDs appears to be a fast, reliable and easy-to-use scale to diagnose DoC and may be a good alternative to other scales in clinical settings where time constraints preclude a more thorough assessment.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Aubinet, C.
Secondary author(s):
Cassol, H., Bodart, O., Sanz, L., Wannez, S., Martial, C., Thibaut, A., Martens, G., Carrière, M., Gosseries, O., Laureys, S., Chatelle, C.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Aubinet, C., Cassol, H., Bodart, O., Sanz, L., Wannez, S., Martial, C., Thibaut, A., Martens, G., Carrière, M., Gosseries, O., Laureys, S., & Chatelle, C. (2021). Simplified evaluation of CONsciousness disorders (SECONDs) in individuals with severe brain injury: A validation study. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 64(5), 101432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2020.09.001
2-year Impact Factor: 4.919|2020
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2021
Times cited: 44|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Coma / Disorders of consciousness / Trauma / Rehabilitation

Simplified evaluation of CONsciousness disorders (SECONDs) in individuals with severe brain injury: A validation study

Simplified evaluation of CONsciousness disorders (SECONDs) in individuals with severe brain injury: A validation study

DocumentRisk factors for 2-year mortality in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness: An international multicentre study2021

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-95
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Risk factors for 2-year mortality in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness: An international multicentre study
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ene.15143
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background and purpose:
Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) have a high mortality rate due to medical complications. Because an accurate prognosis is essential for decision-making on patients' management, we analysed data from an international multicentre prospective cohort study to evaluate 2-year mortality rate and bedside predictors of mortality.
Methods:
We enrolled adult patients in prolonged vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) after traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury within 3 months postinjury. At enrolment, we collected demographic (age, sex), anamnestic (aetiology, time postinjury), clinical (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised [CRS-R], Disability Rating Scale, Nociception Coma Scale-Revised), and neurophysiologic (electroencephalogram [EEG], somatosensory evoked and event-related potentials) data. Patients were followed up to gather data on mortality up to 24 months postinjury.
Results:
Among 143 traumatic (n = 55) and nontraumatic (n = 88) patients (VS/UWS, n = 68, 19 females; MCS, n = 75, 22 females), 41 (28.7%) died within 24 months postinjury. Mortality rate was higher in VS/UWS (42.6%) than in MCS (16%; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression in VS/UWS showed that significant predictors of mortality were older age and lower CRS-R total score, whereas in MCS female sex and absence of alpha rhythm on EEG at study entry were significant predictors.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrated that a feasible multimodal assessment in the postacute phase can help clinicians to identify patients with pDoC at higher risk of mortality within 24 months after brain injury. This evidence can help clinicians and patients' families to navigate the complex clinical decision-making process and promote an international standardization of prognostic procedures for patients with pDoC.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Estraneo, A.
Secondary author(s):
Magliacano, A., Fiorenza, S., Formisano, R., Grippo, A., Angelakis, E., Cassol, H., Thibaut, A., Gosseries, O., Lamberti, G., Noé, E., Bagnato, S., Edlow, B. L., Chatelle, C.,, Lejeune, N., Veeramuthu, V., Bartolo, M., Mattia, D., Toppi, J., Zasler, N., Schnakers, C., Trojano, L.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Estraneo, A., Magliacano, A., Fiorenza, S., Formisano, R., Grippo, A., Angelakis, E., Cassol, H., Thibaut, A., Gosseries, O., Lamberti, G., Noé, E., Bagnato, S., Edlow, B. L., Chatelle, C., Lejeune, N., Veeramuthu, V., Bartolo, M., Mattia, D., Toppi, J., Zasler, N., … Trojano, L. (2021). Risk factors for 2-year mortality in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness: An international multicentre study. European Journal of Neurology, 29(2), 390–399. https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.15143
2-year Impact Factor: 6.089|2020
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2021
Times cited: 28|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Minimally conscious state / Mortality / Prognosis / Vegetative state

DocumentUpdate on neuroimaging in disorders of consciousness2021

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-98
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Update on neuroimaging in disorders of consciousness
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://journals.lww.com/co-neurology/Abstract/2021/08000/Update_on_neuroimaging_in_disorders_of.4.aspx
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Purpose of review:
Neuroimaging has acquired a prominent place in the assessment of disorders of consciousness (DoC). Rapidly evolving technologies combined with state-of-the-art data analyses open new horizons to probe brain activity, but selecting appropriate imaging modalities from the plethora of available techniques can be challenging for clinicians. This update reviews selected advances in neuroimaging that demonstrate clinical relevance and translational potential in the assessment of severely brain-injured patients with DoC.
Recent findings:
Magnetic resonance imaging and high-density electroencephalography provide measurements of brain connectivity between functional networks, assessments of language function, detection of covert consciousness, and prognostic markers of recovery. Positron emission tomography can identify patients with preserved brain metabolism despite clinical unresponsiveness and can measure glucose consumption rates in targeted brain regions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and near-infrared spectroscopy are noninvasive and practical tools with promising clinical applications.
Summary:
Each neuroimaging technique conveys advantages and pitfalls to assess consciousness. We recommend a multimodal approach in which complementary techniques provide diagnostic and prognostic information about brain function. Patients demonstrating neuroimaging evidence of covert consciousness may benefit from early adapted rehabilitation. Translating methodological advances to clinical care will require the implementation of recently published international guidelines and the integration of neuroimaging techniques into patient-centered decision-making algorithms.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Sanz, L.
Secondary author(s):
Thibaut, A., Edlow, B. L., Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Sanz, L., Thibaut, A., Edlow, B. L., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2021). Update on neuroimaging in disorders of consciousness. Current Opinion in Neurology, 34(4), 488-496. https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0000000000000951
2-year Impact Factor: 5.710|2020
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2021
Times cited: 58|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Coma / Diagnosis / Disorders of consciousness / Neuroimaging / Prognosis

DocumentNeural Responses to Heartbeats Detect Residual Signs of Consciousness during Resting State in Postcomatose Patients2021

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-99
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Neural Responses to Heartbeats Detect Residual Signs of Consciousness during Resting State in Postcomatose Patients
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://www.jneurosci.org/content/41/24/5251.long
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The neural monitoring of visceral inputs might play a role in first-person perspective (i.e., the unified viewpoint of subjective experience). In healthy participants, how the brain responds to heartbeats, measured as the heartbeat-evoked response (HER), correlates with perceptual, bodily, and self-consciousness. Here we show that HERs in resting-state EEG data distinguishes between postcomatose male and female human patients (n = 68, split into training and validation samples) with the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and in patients in a minimally conscious state with high accuracy (random forest classifier, 87% accuracy, 96% sensitivity, and 50% specificity in the validation sample). Random EEG segments not locked to heartbeats were useful to predict unconsciousness/consciousness, but HERs were more accurate, indicating that HERs provide specific information on consciousness. HERs also led to more accurate classification than heart rate variability. HER-based consciousness scores correlate with glucose metabolism in the default-mode network node located in the right superior temporal sulcus, as well as with the right ventral occipitotemporal cortex. These results were obtained when consciousness was inferred from brain glucose met`abolism measured with positron emission topography. HERs reflected the consciousness diagnosis based on brain metabolism better than the consciousness diagnosis based on behavior (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, 77% validation accuracy). HERs thus seem to capture a capacity for consciousness that does not necessarily translate into intentional overt behavior. These results confirm the role of HERs in consciousness, offer new leads for future bedside testing, and highlight the importance of defining consciousness and its neural mechanisms independently from behavior.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Candia-Rivera, D.
Secondary author(s):
Annen, J., Gosseries, O., Martial, C., Thibaut, A., Laureys, S., Tallon-Baudry, C.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Candia-Rivera, D., Annen, J., Gosseries, O., Martial, C., Thibaut, A., Laureys, S., & Tallon-Baudry, C. (2021). Neural Responses to Heartbeats Detect Residual Signs of Consciousness during Resting State in Postcomatose Patients. Journal of Neuroscience, 41(24), 5251–5262. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1740-20.2021
2-year Impact Factor: 6.167|2020
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2021
Times cited: 42|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Cerebral glucose metabolism / Disorders of consciousness / Heart rate variability / Heartbeat-evoked response / Random forests

DocumentLinks between swallowing and consciousness: A narrative review2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-103
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Links between swallowing and consciousness: A narrative review
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00455-022-10452-2
Abstract/Results: This literature review explores a wide range of themes addressing the links between swallowing and consciousness. Signs of consciousness are historically based on the principle of differentiating reflexive from volitional behaviors. We show that the sequencing of the components of swallowing falls on a continuum of voluntary to reflex behaviors and we describe several types of volitional and non-volitional swallowing tasks. The frequency, speed of initiation of the swallowing reflex, efficacy of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing and coordination between respiration and swallowing are influenced by the level of consciousness during non-pathological modifications of consciousness such as sleep and general anesthesia. In patients with severe brain injury, the level of consciousness is associated with several components related to swallowing, such as the possibility of extubation, risk of pneumonia, type of feeding or components directly related to swallowing such as oral or pharyngeal abnormalities. Based on our theoretical and empirical analysis, the efficacy of the oral phase and the ability to receive exclusive oral feeding seem to be the most robust signs of consciousness related to swallowing in patients with disorders of consciousness. Components of the pharyngeal phase (in terms of abilities of saliva management) and evoked cough may be influenced by consciousness, but further studies are necessary to determine if they constitute signs of consciousness as such or only cortically mediated behaviors. This review also highlights the critical lack of tools and techniques to assess and treat dysphagia in patients with disorders of consciousness.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Mélotte, E.
Secondary author(s):
Maudaux, A., Panda, R., Kaux, J.-F., Lagier, A., Herr, R., Belorgeot, M., Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Mélotte, E., Maudaux, A., Panda, R., Kaux, J.F., Lagier, A., Herr, R., Belorgeot, M, Laureys, S. & Gosseries, O. (2022). Links beteween swallowing and consciousness: A narrative review. Dysphagia, 38(1), 42–64. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-022-10452-2
2-year Impact Factor: 2.600|2022
Times cited: 11|2025-09-24
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Dysphagia / Swallowing / Severe brain injury / Disorders of consciousness / Consciousness / Coma

Links between swallowing and consciousness: A narrative review

Links between swallowing and consciousness: A narrative review

DocumentLanguage assessment in patients with disorders of consciousness2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-104
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Language assessment in patients with disorders of consciousness
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0042-1755561#info
Abstract/Results: Abstract
The assessment of residual language abilities in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) after severe brain injury is particularly challenging due to their limited behavioral repertoire. Moreover, associated language impairment such as receptive aphasia may lead to an underestimation of actual consciousness levels. In this review, we examine past research on the assessment of residual language processing in DoC patients, and we discuss currently available tools for identifying language-specific abilities and their prognostic value. We first highlight the need for validated and sensitive bedside behavioral assessment tools for residual language abilities in DoC patients. As regards neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods, the tasks involving higher level linguistic commands appear to be the most informative about level of consciousness and have the best prognostic value. Neuroimaging methods should be combined with the most appropriate behavioral tools in multimodal assessment protocols to assess receptive language abilities in DoC patients in the most complete and sensitive manner.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Aubinet, C.
Secondary author(s):
Schnakers, C., Steve, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Aubinet, C., Schnakers, C., & Majerus, S. (2022). Language assessment in patients with disorders of consciousness. Seminars in Neurology, 42(03), 273-282. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1755561
2-year Impact Factor: 2.700|2022
Times cited: 3|2025-09-24
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Language / Disorders of consciousness / Behavioral assessment / Aphasia

DocumentNew behavioral signs of consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-105
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
New behavioral signs of consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1883-0861
Abstract/Results: Abstract
Diagnostic and prognostic assessment of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) presents ethical and clinical implications as they may affect the course of medical treatment and the decision to withdraw life-sustaining therapy. There has been increasing research in this field to lower misdiagnosis rates by developing standardized and consensual tools to detect consciousness. In this article, we summarize recent evidence regarding behavioral signs that are not yet included in the current clinical guidelines but could detect consciousness. The new potential behavioral signs of consciousness described here are as follows: resistance to eye opening, spontaneous eye blink rate, auditory localization, habituation of auditory startle reflex, olfactory sniffing, efficacy of swallowing/oral feeding, leg crossing, facial expressions to noxious stimulation, and subtle motor behaviors. All of these signs show promising results in discriminating patients' level of consciousness. Multimodal studies with large sample sizes in different centers are needed to further evaluate whether these behaviors reliably indicate the presence of consciousness. Future translation of these research findings into clinical practice has potential to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and prognostication for patients with DoC.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Mat, B.
Secondary author(s):
Sanz, L., Arzi, A., Boly, M., Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Mat, B., Sanz, L., Arzi, A., Boly, M., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2022). New behavioral signs of consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries. Seminars in Neurology, 42(03), 259-272. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1883-0861
2-year Impact Factor: 2.700|2022
Times cited: 11|2025-09-24
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Behavioral assessment / Signs of consciousness / Postcomatose state

DocumentSleep and circadian disturbance in disorders of consciousness: Current methods and the way towards clinical implementation2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-106
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Sleep and circadian disturbance in disorders of consciousness: Current methods and the way towards clinical implementation
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1893-2785
Abstract/Results: Abstract
The investigation of sleep in disorders of consciousness (DoC) has shown promising diagnostic and prognostic results. However, the methods employed in this field of research are diverse. This leads to confusion in the way forward for both scientific and clinical purposes. We review the literature that has investigated sleep in DoC patients and specifically outline the methodologies used next to the presented results. We highlight what knowledge we currently have and where increased efforts are needed before further clinical implementation. Specifically, the review shows that successful methods may employ a two-stage approach to sleep scoring, where one is the application of loosened standard criteria and the other a more general factor describing closeness of the electroencephalography to a healthy pattern, including a score that describes the extent to which sleep scoring criteria can be applied. This should be performed as part of a multimodal approach that also includes investigations of eye-opening/closure and that of circadian (24-hour) rhythmicity. Taken together, this puts the most promising methodologies in the field together for a comprehensive investigation. Large-scale approaches, incorporating multiple modalities and looking at individual variation, are now needed to advance our understanding of sleep in DoC and its role in diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Van der Lande, G. J. M.
Secondary author(s):
Blume, C., Annen, J.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Van der Lande, G. J. M., Blume, C., & Annen, J. (2022). Sleep and circadian disturbance in disorders of consciousness: Current methods and the way twoards clinical implementation. Seminars in Neurology, 42(03), 283-298. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1893-2785
2-year Impact Factor: 2.700|2022
Times cited: 5|2025-09-24
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Sleep / Sleep scoring / Slow waves / Circadian rhythm

DocumentTowards modern post-coma care based on neuroscientific evidence2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-109
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Towards modern post-coma care based on neuroscientific evidence
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1697260023000066?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background:
Understanding the mechanisms underlying human consciousness is pivotal to improve the prognostication and treatment of severely brain-injured patients. Consciousness remains an elusive concept and the identification of its neural correlates is an active subject of research, however recent neuroscientific advances have allowed scientists to better characterize disorders of consciousness. These breakthroughs question the historical nomenclature and our current management of post-comatose patients.
Method:
This review examines the contribution of consciousness neurosciences to the current clinical management of severe brain injury. It investigates the major impact of consciousness disorders on healthcare systems, the scientific frameworks employed to identify their neural correlates and how evidence-based data from neuroimaging research have reshaped the landscape of post-coma care in recent years.
Results:
Our increased ability to detect behavioral and neurophysiological signatures of consciousness has led to significant changes in taxonomy and clinical practice. We advocate for a multimodal framework for the management of severely brain-injured patients based on precision medicine and evidence-based decisions, integrating epidemiology, health economics and neuroethics.
Conclusions:
Major progress in brain imaging and clinical assessment have opened the door to a new era of post-coma care based on standardized neuroscientific evidence. We highlight its implications in clinical applications and call for improved collaborations between researchers and clinicians to better translate findings to the bedside.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Sanz, L. R. D.
Secondary author(s):
Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Sanz, L. R. D., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2023). Towards modern post-coma care based on neuroscientific evidence. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 23(3), 100370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100370
2-year Impact Factor: 5.3|2023
Times cited: 10|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Neuroimaging / Coma / Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome / Minimally conscious state

Towards modern post-coma care based on neuroscientific evidence

Towards modern post-coma care based on neuroscientific evidence