Sleep Patterns May Reveal Comatose Patients with Hidden Consciousness

Jan Claassen, MD, FNCS, Critical Care and Hospitalist Neurology Chief, discusses findings from the new research study he led at Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital that can help physicians determine which unresponsive brain-injury patients may have hidden consciousness. The study looked at overnight brain activity in comatose patients and how it relates to normal sleep patterns. It then used the results to predict which patients would be most likely to make a neurological recovery.

“We’re at an exciting crossroad in neurocritical care where we know that many patients appear to be unconscious, but some are recovering without our knowledge. We're starting to lift the lid a little bit and find some signs of recovery as it's happening,” says Dr. Jan Claassen. [read more]

Source: CUIMC Newsroom