A Thalamocortical Mechanism for the Absence of Overt Motor Behavior in Covertly Aware Patients

Abstract

These results suggest a possible biomarker for the absence of intentional movement in covertly aware patients (ie, specific damage to motor thalamocortical fibers), highlight the importance of the thalamus for the execution of intentional movements, and may provide a target for restorative therapies in behaviorally nonresponsive patients.