Neurology® Podcast Clinical Implementation of fMRI and EEG to Detect CMD
Dec 30, 2024
Dr. Brian Edlow, a neurocritical care expert at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Yelena Bodine, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, dive into cognitive motor dissociation (CMD) within neurocritical care. They discuss how some patients presumed to be in a coma may actually process thoughts with advanced imaging techniques like fMRI and EEG. The guests address ethical challenges in using these technologies and advocate for improved access for underserved populations, emphasizing the need for 'prognostic humility' in patient assessments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cognitive Motor Dissociation
- Cognitive motor dissociation (CMD) describes a disconnect between cognitive ability and motor function.
- Patients appearing unresponsive can perform complex mental tasks unseen through physical assessment.
Setting Expectations with Families
- Set clear family expectations for fMRI/EEG tests, explaining limitations and potential results.
- Open communication prevents overemphasis on single findings and promotes realistic prognostication.
Test Limitations
- Task-based fMRI and EEG have high false-negative rates.
- Negative test results should be disregarded due to limitations, while positive results carry more weight.