Columbia University researchers have found that sleep spindles—brain wave bursts detected in EEG readings—may help identify brain-injured patients with hidden consciousness who are likely to recover.
Detecting hidden consciousness
Studies show that up to 25 per cent of unresponsive brain-injury patients may still have some level of hidden consciousness. Dr. Jan Claassen and his team at Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian developed EEG-based techniques to detect such cases. However, these methods can be complex and may yield false negatives.
Sleep spindles as recovery indicators
Instead of using command-based EEG testing, the researchers examined overnight brain activity in 226 coma patients. They discovered that well-defined sleep spindles—brief bursts of fast brain wave activity—were linked to a higher chance of regaining consciousness and long-term recovery.
Patients who displayed both sleep spindles and cognitive motor dissociation had significantly better outcomes: 76 per cent regained consciousness by hospital discharge and 41 per cent had functional independence a year later.
In contrast, only 7 per cent of those without sleep spindles or cognitive motor dissociation recovered neurological function within a year.
Potential for improved patient care
While sleep spindles do not guarantee recovery, their presence suggests that preserving and improving ICU sleep conditions may support brain healing. Disruptions like alarms, medical procedures, and noise might hinder sleep quality, affecting recovery.
Claassen emphasizes that these findings apply only to recent brain injuries, and more research is needed before implementing this method in clinical practice. However, the study offers a promising new way to assess recovery potential in comatose patients.
Source: Hindustan Times
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
