Abstract
Disorder of consciousness (DoC) after severe brain injury presents numerous challenges
to clinicians, as the diagnosis, prognosis, and management are often uncertain. Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) has long been used to evaluate brain structure in patients
with DoC. More recently, advances in MRI technology have permitted more detailed investigations
of the brain's structural integrity (via diffusion MRI) and function (via functional
MRI). A growing literature has begun to show that these advanced forms of MRI may
improve our understanding of DoC pathophysiology, facilitate the identification of
patient consciousness, and improve the accuracy of clinical prognostication. Here
we review the emerging evidence for the application of advanced MRI for patients with
DoC.
Keywords
neuroimaging - MRI - disorders of consciousness - prognostication
