CRNL Conference Lionel Naccache "Exploring consciousness at the edge: Global Neuronal Workspace framework & neurology"

Abstract: After a brief synthetic introduction to the Global Neuronal Workspace (GNW) theoretical framework, I will show how the exploration of conscious state and conscious access in extreme neurological or physiological conditions can be mutually beneficial by : (i) improving medical and ethical care of patients, and (ii) enriching cognitive neuroscience of consciousness by testing key theoretical predictions in unusual situations. I will illustrate this bidirectional approach by focusing on Disorders of Consciousness (i.e.: vegetative state also coined unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, minimally conscious state and related conditions), but I will also address more briefly key recent findings in epilepsy, hemispherotomy and sleep.

Neurologue à la Pitié-Salpêtrière, professeur à la faculté de Médecine de Sorbonne Université, auteur de nombreux livres, ancien membre du Comité consultatif d’éthique, Lionel Naccache partage son quotidien entre recherche, clinique et écriture pour tenter de percer les mystères de la conscience.