Brain scan shows vegetative patient answering yes or no questions

slipperybrick ^

[JoeProBono]

This raises some interesting issues regarding how we care for those in vegetative states. A new study observed the brain of an unconscious patient responding to yes and no questions just like a normal person. Well, almost. Of 54 test subjects in the New England Journal of Medicine study, one man who was diagnosed as being in a vegetative state five years earlier actually answered yes or no questions. And did so accurately.

The answers came from a brain scan conducted by an MRI machine. Answering “yes” and “no” shows activity in different parts of the brain. For instance the patient was asked if his father’s name was Thomas and the scan showed his brain answering “no.” When asked if his father’s name was Alexander, the scan showed “yes.”

This is amazing stuff and could one day lead to being able to communicate with these patients even further.

[JoeProBono]

[OneWingedShark]

Nifty!
It’s some more ammunition for those who believe in the sanctity of human life.

[JoeProBono]

[Conservative4Ever]

WOW! Very cool.

[snippy_about_it]

This could be wonderful if doctors can determine better ways to care and perhaps improve these patients conditions by asking the right questions to help them in their diagnosis and treatment.

[JoeProBono]

[sten]

hmmm...

[JoeProBono]

[SunkenCiv]

So, did they ask the questions using the teleprompter?

[dsrtsage]

I read that vegetarian patients may be able to answer yes and no questions as well, but the data is really inconclusive.

[snippy_about_it]

COMA. I had long forgotten that flick.

[Seadog Bytes]

Not to worry. We'll never know... after Obamacare, MRIs are certain to be rationed.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Seadog Bytes. Sums it up nicely.