During the last decade, functional neuroimaging of disorders of consciousness (i.e., coma, vegetative state and minimally conscious state) has evolved from measuring resting cerebral blood flow or electrical activity to studying functional response to sensory stimuli and to active paradigm asking patients to concentrate on doing a task like playing tennis. While these methods have improved the care of the patients, they
also show how difficult it is to distinguish different states of consciousness. Brain connectivity studies aim at evaluating global cerebral function in patients with disorders of consciousness. In this talk, I will cover results obtained using a range of functional and
effective connectivity approaches based on PET, fMRI, high density EEG, and TMS-EEG recordings. Experimental work performed in other unconscious states (i.e., anesthesia and deep sleep) will also be reviewed. Practical and conceptual implications of these studies will be discussed in light of recent theories of consciousness.

Video registration (1h20min)

Podcast interview (29min)