Large-scale signatures of unconsciousness are consistent with a departure from critical dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Loss of cortical integration and changes in the dynamics of electrophysiological brain signals characterize the transition from wakefulness towards unconsciousness. In this study, we arrive at a basic model explaining these observations based on the theory of phase transitions in complex systems. We studied the link between spatial and temporal correlations of large-scale brain activity recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging during wakefulness, propofol-induced sedation and loss of consciousness and during the subsequent recovery. We observed that during unconsciousness activity in frontothalamic regions exhibited a reduction of long-range temporal correlations and a departure of functional connectivity from anatomical constraints. A model of a system exhibiting a phase transi

SUBMITTER: Tagliazucchi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4759808 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature