Measurement of axonal fiber connectivity in consciousness evaluation

Abstract:

Background: Persistent vegetative states (PVS) and locked-in syndrome (LIS) are well-differentiated disorders of consciousness that can be reached after a localized brain injury in the brainstem. The relations of the lesion topography with the impairment in the whole-brain architecture and functional disconnections are poorly understood. Methods: Two patients (PVS and LIS) and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers were evaluated using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Anatomical network was modeled as a graph whose nodes are represented by 71 brain regions. Inter-region connections were quantified through Anatomical Connection Strength (ACS) and Density (ACD). Complex networks properties such as local and global efficiency and vulnerability were studied. Mass univariate testing was performed at every connection using network based statistic approach. Results: LIS patients' network showed significant …

Año de publicación:

2014

Keywords:

Fuente:

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