A neuromodulation strategy for rational therapy of complex brain injury states

We review initial efforts at neuromodulation in the vegetative state and or ganize several aspects of recent studies of the underlying neurobiology of catastrophic brain injuries. An innovative strategy for patient and target selection for neuromodulation of impaired cognitive function is outlined. S cientific and ethical issues that will attend future efforts to appropriate ly risk-stratify patients and initiate interventions with therapeutic inten t are considered.