A Promising Tool for Predicting Consciousness Evolution in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness

EEG Dynamics Induced by Zolpidem Forecasts Consciousness Evolution in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness and Quantification of EEG Reactivity Predicts Recovery of Consciousness

The research contains two parts. Part 1: To explore whether EEG responses to zolpidem can assess consciousness circuit integrity and predict the evolution of consciousness in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness; Part 2: To explore if quantitative EEG reactivity might predict the prognosis of disorders of consciousness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• presence of unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) on admission;
• time since onset > 4 weeks;
• no history of neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases.

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergic to zolpidem;
• currently receiving zolpidem or related benzodiazepines;
• diagnosed with seizure or status epilepticus.