By connecting both long-standing and recent findings across spatial scales and research domains, we introduce a new framework for understanding the consequences of brain injury, with a particular focus on the crucial role of slow waves. We argue that the presence of slow waves in EEG recordings after brain injury reflects the intrusion of sleep-like cortical dynamics during wakefulness. We illustrate how these dynamics are generated and how they can lead to functional network dysfunction and behavioral impairment. Finally, we outline a scenario in which post-injury slow waves may be modulated to “awaken” parts of the brain that have fallen into a sleep-like state, with the goal of optimizing rehabilitation strategies and promoting recovery.
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