Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, with enormous economic consequences. Approximately 69 million individuals sustain a TBI annually. Patients who have suffered TBIs may lead to loss of consciousness and thus, understanding the mechanism behind regaining consciousness is of utmost importance.

Twenty-four patients were prospectively recruited at WCM/NYP and classified into minimally conscious or vegetative state based on the JFK Coma Recovery Scale – Revised (CRS-R). MRI and [¹⁸F]-FDG PET scans were acquired and contrasted to CRS-R scores. PET scans were reoriented, resliced and co-registered using PMOD software and the standardized uptake value (SUV) extracted (i.e., metabolic activity). Claustrum ROIs were defined following neuroanatomical references from the individual structural MRI, and data from baseline to follow-up were compared.

This preliminary result supports the hypothesis that activity within the claustrum is linked to consciousness recovery in patients with severe disorders of consciousness. Further large longitudinal studies are required to assess the role of the claustrum.