Exploring the clinical diagnostic value of linguistic learning ability in patients with disorders of consciousness using electrooculography

Abstract

For patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC), accurate assessment of residual consciousness levels and cognitive abilities is critical for developing appropriate rehabilitation interventions. In this study, we investigated the potential of electrooculography (EOG) in assessing language processing abilities and consciousness levels. Patients’ EOG data and related electrophysiological data were analysed before and after explicit language learning. The results showed distinct differences in vocabulary learning patterns among patients with varying levels of consciousness. While minimally conscious patients showed significant neural tracking of artificial words and notable learning effects similar to those observed in healthy controls, whereas patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome did not show such effects. Correlation analysis further indicated that EOG detected vocabulary learning effects with comparable validity to electroencephalography, reinforcing the credibility of EOG indicator as a diagnostic tool. Critically, EOG also revealed significant correlations between individual patients’ linguistic learning performance and their Oromotor/verbal function as assessed through behavioural scales. In conclusion, this study explored the differences in language processing abilities among patients with varying consciousness levels. By demonstrating the utility of EOG in evaluating consciousness and detecting vocabulary learning effects, as well as its potential to guide personalised rehabilitation, our findings indicate that EOG indicators show promise as a rapid, accurate and effective additional tool for diagnosing and managing patients with DoC.