The form of consciousness in brain & pathology and treatment of UWS

Abstract

The study of consciousness, a fundamental aspect of human existence, spans neurobiology, brain science, and psychology. In nested hierarchies in the brain, consciousness is a confluence of wakefulness, arousal, and awareness. Disorders of consciousness, such as the Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS), present profound challenges in the medical domain. UWS patients experience severe disturbances in awareness and reactivity, often due to traumatic or non-traumatic brain injuries. Central to the debate on consciousness is the thalamus, a neural relay pivotal to cognitive function. Recent research emphasizes the thalamuss role in disorders like UWS, particularly when stemming from thalamic injuries. Novel thalamic interventions, like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Stereotactic Thalamotomy, have been explored for therapeutic potential, showing varying outcomes. The transition towards targeted thalamic treatments, underscored by advanced imaging insights, marks a shift in UWS therapeutic strategies. However, the intricacies of the thalamus and the heterogeneity of UWS necessitate a comprehensive and individualized approach. As researchers delve deeper, the thalamus stands central to potential breakthroughs in restoring consciousness in UWS patients.