| Abstract: |
We present the first functional maps showing active cortical structures in two minimally conscious (MCS) patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Two right handed male patients, ages 21 and 33, had been without remarkable medical history prior to brain injuries leading to MCS persisting for longer than 18 months. Neither patient demonstrated consistent command-following or gestural or verbal communication. Standard fMRI methods and passive stimulation procedures used to map sedated children were employed to observe cortical activity associated with receptive language comprehension. Two 40 second pre-recorded narrative were presented as normal and backwards speech. Functional responses to voice-forward AND NOT voice-backward identified robust activity in language-related areas including Inf and Med Frontal G, Sup and Mid Temporal G. Activity was also observed in Calcarine Sulcus, Inf and Mid Occipital G, Precuneus, Cuneus, and InfParietal Lobule suggesting visualization of the narratives. The activity was similar to a normal subject imaged during the same tasks. We conclude that these MCS patients retain cortical language networks and therefore, potential residual cognitive function despite their inability to communicate. |
