Probing Awareness with Auditory Steady-State Responses

Prof. Marek Binder - Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków

Abstract:

Distinguishing unresponsive wakefulness syndrome from minimally conscious state remains a major clinical challenge in diagnosis of disorders of consciousness (DOC), with misdiagnosis rates near 40%. I will present work using auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) as a passive, bedside-compatible marker of awareness. Across studies in patients with DOC and in patients undergoing general anesthesia, low-gamma responses (~40 Hz) were consistently attenuated during reduced or absent awareness, independently of peripheral auditory integrity. I will discuss the underlying mechanisms—likely involving cortical excitation/inhibition balance and cholinergic modulation—and the potential of 40-Hz ASSR as a supplementary diagnostic tool for consciousness assessment.

About the author:

Professor at the Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, the member of C-Lab. In his research work, he focuses on the use of brain activity recording techniques such as EEG and fMRI to assess the level of cognitive functioning in patients with severe brain injuries.

When/ Where: 21.05. (Thursday), 2 pm Institute of Psychology, room 0.01, Ingardena Street 6