Creating a Simple System for Measuring Consciousness at the Bedside or in the Operating Room

INSTITUTION: MUSC Brain Stimulation Division, Psychiatry Department, Milano

PROJECT LEADERS:

• MUSC – Dr. Mark George, Philipp Summers, Kevin Caulfield

• Milano – Drs. Marcello Massimini, Mario Rosanova, Sylvia Casarotto

PROJECT DURATION: 4 years

The perturbational complexity index involves stimulating the brain with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and then using EEG to analyze how complex the signal travels through the brain. Until recently it took a team of researchers several hours and at least three different computers and displays. We have now been able to reduce all of the needed components into a system that looks like an ultrasound unit and can be wheeled in one cart. Additionally, we are testing out whether we can modify the TMS pulse to be more efficient at creating a PCI.

Broader Impact:

With this more user friendly portable rollable system, we hope that more researchers and clinicians will begin measuring consciousness using the PCI. This might transform ICU’s with prediction of recovery from coma or head injury, as well as change the practice of anesthesia and surgery with better monitoring of the level of anesthesia.