 This study demonstrated that the fast perturbational complexity index, PCIST, can be used as a reliable and efficient tool to quantify the level of consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness, DOC. It showed significant differences between normal healthy participants, nor, minimally conscious state, MCS, and unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, UWS, groups. Furthermore, it also revealed that PCIST can be used to predict the recovery of DOC patients after one year. This article was authored by Yong Wang, Zikang Nyo, Xia Yu Xia, and others.