States of consciousness: from neural mechanisms to diseases

Consciousness emerges from the coordinated activity of neural circuits spanning multiple spatial scales, from synaptic signaling to large-scale cortical network interactions. While significant progress has been made in identifying the neural correlates of wakefulness and awareness, the mechanisms governing transitions between conscious states remain poorly understood. This is especially true in clinical contexts such as general anesthesia and coma, where consciousness is suppressed or abolished through distinct but overlapping pathophysiological pathways. A major challenge lies in connecting insights from cellular neuroscience with systems-level observations and clinical monitoring, an effort that demands collaboration across fundamental and clinical disciplines.This Research Topic aims to bring together original research and reviews that advance our understanding of consciousness from the neuronal level to whole-brain network dynamics and bedside assessment. The collection will prioritize studies that investigate how consciousness arises, fluctuates, or is lost in healthy subjects, under anesthesia, and in coma states resulting from acute brain injury or other neurological insults. Both fundamental and clinical contributions are encouraged, with emphasis on work that bridges mechanistic insight and translational or diagnostic application.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:- Synaptic and cellular changes associated with altered states of consciousness- Brain connectivity and cortical network dynamics during wakefulness, anesthesia, and coma- Cortical reactivity as a marker of conscious processing- Neural network dynamics underlying transitions between states of consciousness- Monitoring and assessment of anesthetic depth- Neurophysiological and neuroimaging-based monitoring and prognostication in coma- Disruption and recovery of consciousness following acute brain injury - Clinical management strategies for patients with disorders of consciousness- Novel biomarkers and diagnostic tools for altered states of consciousness Topic editors: Bogdan Pavel, Bogdan Amuzescu, Tudor Adrian Balseanu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78763/states-of-consciousness-from-neural-mechanisms-to-diseases