A voluntary action triggered by a visual perception reveals three fundamental characteristics of that perception: it is conscious, self-conscious, and has content. These are implemented by three distinct higher-order properties of brain dynamics. This leads to a physicalist naturalist solution to the mind-body problem: primary phenomenal consciousness is not a non-physical substance or property but the format the brain gives to part of its dynamics to achieve fine-tuning with the environment during bodily action.
A systematic review of electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of mindfulness-based treatment for chronic pain found the topic still largely unexplored. From 131 initial papers, only 4 met inclusion criteria. Pain-related evoked potentials correlate with mindfulness-based treatment. EEG source analysis showed involvement of brain regions that modulate emotional responses. Higher baseline theta power was associated with greater improvement in depression when mindfulness-based treatments are given, suggesting EEG might help identify patients who benefit most.
Among patients in a vegetative state (VS) treated at two long-term care facilities in Lombardy starting in 2014, non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage was the most common cause (41%), followed by traumatic brain injury (19%) and anoxic brain injury (17%). Cumulative mortality after the event causing VS was 10% at 1 year, 24% at 2 years, 43% at 5 years, 69% at 10 years, and 88% at 15 years, with older age and ischemic stroke increasing risk. Among 24 caregivers, 50% had scores recommending psychological support, 33% strongly recommended support, and 13% urgent need. Female caregivers reported worse mental health than males.