Bekinschtein et al report that Pavlovian trace conditioning of individuals with disorders of consciousness, such as vegetative and minimally conscious patients, is possible. They suggest that their technique may be used to predict recovery and assess whether some degree of consciousness is present. These are important goals.
See BBC news item at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8260774.stm Full article in Nature Neuroscience available free here: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/pdf/nn.2391. pdf or http://tinyurl.com/ktzran As I always do when I see a paper such as this which attempts to assess or predict consciousness in the brain-injured, I scan their reference list to see if they cite Boyle and Greer (1983). They never do, but they should. Because 25 long years ago, Boyle and Greer reported a technique which showed considerable promise, using operant rather than Pavlovian conditioning, with reinforcers which had personal emotional meaning for the patients. No one noticed. So after determining that the paper was not cited, as I always do, I send off a letter to the authors who appear unaware of it. I've complained in print too. http://www.neurology.org/cgi/eletters/64/3/514#2582 It seems to me that the technique has more promise, and is simpler and far less expensive than the more recent elaborate techniques, including fMRI, which are now attracting attention.So far, my success in getting recognition for it has been nil. But I'll keep complaining. Stephen ----------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Emeritus Bishop's University e-mail: [email protected] 2600 College St. Sherbrooke QC J1M 1Z7 Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
