Outcome Prediction in Patients With Acute Disorders of Consciousness

Prognosis of Acute DOC

Prior research has indicated a link between outcomes in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) and their responses to emotional auditory stimuli. Given the high degree of uncertainty in acute situations, this study plans to record EEG responses and observe microexpressions in DOC patients during exposure to auditory stimuli, with the aim to identify more reliable prognostic indicators. The goal is to uncover potential patterns or signals that can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's condition, and thereby provide more accurate prognostication.

This study intends to probe the potential of electroencephalography (EEG) and microexpression analysis for predicting the outcomes of acutely unresponsive patients within the intensive care unit (ICU). Previous research has illuminated a relationship between patients' emotional responses to auditory stimuli and their prognosis. However, the predictive utility of these responses in the context of acute conditions remains largely unexplored.

At the onset of the study, participants will undergo EEG monitoring while exposed to a pre-determined set of emotional auditory stimuli. Additionally, the patients' facial expressions will be captured via video for subsequent microexpression analysis.

Follow-up assessments of the patients' status will be conducted at three, six, and twelve-month intervals. Using cutting-edge analytical techniques, the goal is to decode these EEG and microexpression responses. This study aims to identify possible correlations between these findings, the patients' diagnoses, and their respective outcomes over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with acute brain injury (<28 days) in ICU
• GCS ≤ 8
• ≥ 2 days after sedation
• Normal hearing, with auditory startle reflex

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children under 18