The slow cortical potential hypothesis on consciousness

A neurophysiological hypothesis proposes that the slow cortical potential (SCP) recorded from the brain's surface reflects the activity of superficial-layer pyramidal neurons, which directly contribute to conscious awareness. Existing data from manipulations of conscious awareness in normal subjects, as well as from altered states like general anesthesia and recovery from vegetative states, support this idea. The hypothesis also makes experimentally testable predictions. Because a relationship between the SCP and fMRI signals has been identified, this hypothesis may bridge neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies of consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

We propose a neurophysiological hypothesis on the emergence of consciousness, which postulates that the slow cortical potential (SCP) recorded from the surface of the brain provides an index of the activities of superficial-layer pyramidal neurons that directly contribute to the emergence of conscious awareness. This hypothesis is supported by existing data from manipulations of conscious awareness in normal human subjects and by data from altered states of consciousness such as general anesthesia and recovery from vegetative states; it further makes experimentally testable predictions. Given a relationship between the SCP and the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal that has now been revealed, this hypothesis also provides a potential bridge between existing neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies on consciousness.