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Article
The Potential Role of fNIRS in Evaluating Levels of Consciousness
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
  • Androu Abdalmalak, The University of Western Ontario
  • Daniel Milej, Lawson Health Research Institute
  • Loretta Norton, The University of Western Ontario
  • Derek B. Debicki, The University of Western Ontario
  • Adrian M. Owen, The University of Western Ontario
  • Keith St Lawrence, Lawson Health Research Institute
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-8-2021
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.3389/fnhum.2021.703405
Abstract

Over the last few decades, neuroimaging techniques have transformed our understanding of the brain and the effect of neurological conditions on brain function. More recently, light-based modalities such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy have gained popularity as tools to study brain function at the bedside. A recent application is to assess residual awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness, as some patients retain awareness albeit lacking all behavioural response to commands. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy can play a vital role in identifying these patients by assessing command-driven brain activity. The goal of this review is to summarise the studies reported on this topic, to discuss the technical and ethical challenges of working with patients with disorders of consciousness, and to outline promising future directions in this field.

Citation Information
Androu Abdalmalak, Daniel Milej, Loretta Norton, Derek B. Debicki, et al.. "The Potential Role of fNIRS in Evaluating Levels of Consciousness" Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Vol. 15 (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/keith-stlawrence/47/