Detecting awareness in the vegetative state

Science. 2006 Sep 8;313(5792):1402. doi: 10.1126/science.1130197.

Abstract

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate preserved conscious awareness in a patient fulfilling the criteria for a diagnosis of vegetative state. When asked to imagine playing tennis or moving around her home, the patient activated predicted cortical areas in a manner indistinguishable from that of healthy volunteers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Awareness*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / psychology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Consciousness*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Persistent Vegetative State / physiopathology
  • Persistent Vegetative State / psychology*