DOC SIG Webinar: A Perspective to Assessing Subjective Experience in Patients with a Disorder of Consciousness

In this webinar, there will be a brief overview of the current state-of-the-art approaches for assessing patients with disorders of consciousness. One of the most pressing open questions remains whether—and in what way—these patients are capable of feeling. Although this challenge may seem insurmountable in non-communicating individuals, the webinar will outline several potential avenues, particularly those involving brain–body interactions, that may offer a starting point. As will be discussed, some approaches could refine diagnostic accuracy, others may provide insights into patients’ subjective experiences, and still others might inspire new, more holistic treatment strategies.

Speaker: Jitka Annen, MSc, PhD