Difference in the ascending reticular activating system between vegetative and minimally conscious states following traumatic brain injury. Issue 18 (15th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jang, Sung Ho; Kim, Seong Ho; Kim, Jae Woon; Lee, Han Do; Cho, Min Kyeong
• Is Part Of: NeuroReport. Volume 32:Issue 18(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15
• Subjects: ascending reticular activating system -- diffusion tensor imaging -- diffusion tensor tractography -- disorders of consciousness -- traumatic brain injury; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Nervous System Physiological Phenomena -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; 616.805
• DOI: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000001747
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4965

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: We investigated differences in the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) between vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by using diffusion tensor tractography. Methods: We recruited TBI patients and normal subjects. We reconstructed the lower ARAS and five parts of upper ARAS [prefrontal cortex (PFC), premotor cortex, primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, and posterior parietal cortex]. Results: Significant differences were observed in the fractional anisotropy (FA) and fiber number (FN) values of the five parts of upper ARAS between the VS and control groups and between the MCS and control groups ( P < 0.05), but no differences were detected in the lower ARAS ( P > 0.05). The FA and FN values of the PFC in the upper ARAS were significantly different between the VS and MCS groups ( P < 0.05). No other significant differences in FA and FN values were detected among the other segments of the upper ARAS or in the lower ARAS ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that the prefrontal portion of the upper ARAS is the critical area for distinguishing between VS and MCS in patients with TBI.