학술논문
Can electromyography objectively detect voluntary movement in disorders of consciousness?
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, & Psychiatry. Jul 01, 2008 79(7):826-828
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0022-3050
Abstract
Determining conscious processing in unresponsive patients relies on subjective behavioural assessment. Using data from hand electromyography, the authors studied the occurrence of subthreshold muscle activity in response to verbal command, as an objective indicator of awareness in 10 disorders of consciousness patients. One out of eight vegetative state patients and both minimally conscious patients (n = 2) demonstrated an increased electromyography signal specifically linked to command. These findings suggest electromyography could be used to assess awareness objectively in pathologies of consciousness.