Which of the following pieces of neuroimaging evidence would best support the conclusion that a patient was experiencing locked-in syndrome (LIS), as opposed to a vegetative state (UWS)?
A)The patient's fusiform face area was activated when the patient was shown a face, but not when he was shown a house.
B)There was activation in the patient's visual cortex when he was shown a picture of the Eiffel Tower, but not when he was asked to imagine the Eiffel Tower.
C)The patient's auditory cortex was activated in response to music suddenly playing.
D)There was activation in the patient's visual cortex when he was asked to imagine the Eiffel Tower, but not when he was asked to imagine music playing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is characterized by the preservation of cognitive functions with a loss of motor control, except for vertical eye movements and blinking. The ability to follow complex commands, such as imagining specific objects, which requires intact cognitive processing, supports the presence of consciousness. Choice D indicates the patient can process and respond to complex cognitive tasks (imagining the Eiffel Tower), suggesting active, purposeful brain engagement, consistent with LIS rather than a vegetative state, where such directed cognitive activity would not be expected.

Which of the Following Pieces of Neuroimaging Evidence Would Best