Changes in Gray Matter Volume of Thalamics Subregion in Patients with Consciousness Impairment after Traumatic Brain Injury

Motivation: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to disorders of consciousness (DOC), with thalamic damage being a common factor. Understanding the thalamus's role in consciousness is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Goal(s): This study aims to explore the relationship between thalamic subregion volumes and consciousness levels in DOC patients compared to healthy controls. Approach: Using 3D T1-weighted MRI, the study measured thalamic subregion volumes in 12 DOC patients and 20 healthy controls, analyzing correlations with CRS-R scores. Results: Significant atrophy was found in several thalamic subregions of DOC patients, with a positive correlation between the right ventromedial nucleus volume and consciousness levels. Impact: This study's findings on thalamic atrophy in DOC patients highlight potential targets for therapeutic interventions, aiding clinicians in developing treatments to improve consciousness. It opens new avenues for research into thalamic functions and their role in consciousness recovery.