It is IMPOSSIBLE to determine whether or not someone's cerebral cortex is intact and functioning while they are still alive. This is a medical fact. Just to be sure I had a pathologist confirm it this afternoon for me.
Therefore all those who post such are to be seen as vultures of the Ghoul crowd. Even if they appear to become friendly or to have changed their minds...
A brain scan might show no missing tissue, but that tissue has nontheless died. No way to know without an autopsy.
Perhaps in some they can see gaps in a brain scan, before the subject dies, so they'd know in that case the cortex, or cortex section, can't work. This wouldn't necessarily end hopes for rehab, if the remaining sections of cortex could handle the tasks the old section did.
I haven't read that brain scans show missing cortex sections in Terri's case. Walker, the internist & professor, says he has seen the court records, and he talks about Terri's missing cerbral cortex replaced by spinal fluid. I still don't know if he's seen that on a scan of Terri's brain, or if he just infers that.
Perhaps the scans show no missing tissue.
We may never know. Greer may seal the records and Mr. Schiavo cremate the corpse.