Open AccessCovert narrative capacity: Mental life in patients thought to lack consciousness
Author(s) -
Naci Lorina,
Graham Mackenzie,
Owen Adrian M.,
Weijer Charles
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
annals of clinical and translational neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.824
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2328-9503
DOI - 10.1002/acn3.376
Subject(s) - covert , consciousness , narrative , cognition , medicine , mental capacity , cognitive psychology , psychotherapist , psychology , psychiatry , neuroscience , philosophy , linguistics
Despite the apparent absence of external signs of consciousness, a significant proportion of behaviorally nonresponsive patients can respond to commands by willfully modulating their brain activity. However, little is known about the mental life of these patients. We discuss a recent innovative approach, which sheds light on the preserved cognitive capacities of these patients, including executive function, theory of mind, and the experience of affective states. This research represents a fundamental shift in our understanding of these patients, and has important implications for both their continued treatment and care. Moreover, this research marks out avenues for future inquiry into the residual cognitive capacities of these patients.