The introduction of diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) has made three-dimensional reconstruction of the optic radiation (OR) possible in the human brain. A 19-year-old female patient underwent conservative management for hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury. Four months after onset she was transferred to the rehabilitation department of our university hospital. The patient was in a vegetative state with a coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) score of nine. She underwent comprehensive rehabilitation, which included medications, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Transcranial direct current stimulation was applied to the upper occipital area. After one month of rehabilitation, she had recovered to a minimally conscious state with a CRS-R score of 15. Some recovery of the injured ORs was demonstrated by DTT.
Keywords: Optic radiation; consciousness; diffusion tensor tractography; hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
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