AI Tool Reveals Covert Consciousness in Brain Injury Patients
A groundbreaking AI tool, SeeMe, developed by researchers at Stony Brook University, is transforming how doctors assess consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries. Traditional methods rely on visual tests, often missing subtle signs of awareness known as “covert consciousness.” This phenomenon, first identified in 2006, suggests some seemingly unresponsive patients have awareness, detectable through advanced brain scanning.
SeeMe utilizes computer vision to monitor tiny facial movements that indicate consciousness, often undetectable to human observers. In clinical trials, it accurately identified signs of awareness up to eight days earlier than standard assessments, providing critical data for family decisions on care strategies.
The promising technology not only enhances detection but also holds potential for developing a communication system, enabling patients to respond to inquiries through facial cues. This advancement could revolutionize treatment approaches, giving a voice to those previously deemed unreachable in their care.
