AI Detects Hidden Consciousness in Coma Patients
AI detects hidden signs of consciousness in comatose patients days before doctors can.
Why it matters
- Early detection of consciousness can aid in treatment decisions.
- It may help start rehabilitation sooner, improving outcomes.
By the numbers
- 37 patients participated in the study.
- SeeMe detected eye-opening in 30 of 36 patients and mouth movements in 16 of 17 patients.
- AI detected signs of consciousness 4.1 (eyes) and 8.3 (mouth) days before clinicians.
The big picture
- Technology could help predict prognoses and guide treatments.
- Simpler than advanced neuroimaging techniques, making it more accessible.
What they're saying
- Jan Claassen, a neurologist, notes that early detection is crucial for treatment decisions.
Caveats
- Study followed patients for only six months post-discharge.
- Small sample size (37 patients).
What’s next
- Researchers plan to explore if patients can answer yes-or-no questions using facial movements.