Advancing Our Knowledge of Cognition in Disorders of Consciousness: A Critical Revisit.

This narrative review aims to elucidate an emerging state of consciousness termed "cognitivemotor dissociation", characterized by brain activity patterns closely resembling those observed in healthy individuals. This distinctive phenomenon is notably evident in patients diagnosed with comatose states, unresponsive wakefulness states, or minimally conscious states. Employing functional magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalography holds promise for identifying cognitive-motor dissociation. The emergence of cognitive-motor dissociation not only introduces a fresh conceptual framework but also provides valuable predictive insights into outcomes and prognoses for individuals with disorders of consciousness. However, the recognition of cognitive-motor dissociation raises ethical considerations, particularly in evaluating the decision-making capacity regarding life-or-death choices for individuals in this state. Therefore, it is crucial to advocate for further scientific and comprehensive research to enhance our understanding of cognitive-motor dissociation and navigate its nuanced complexities. Keywords: cognitive-motor dissociation, coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, minimally conscious state, functional MRI, EEG.