Speech triggers extensive brain activity in minimally conscious patients

From: tales from the haunted skull (emma975_at_operamail.com)
Date: 02/16/05 

Date: 15 Feb 2005 17:51:48 -0800

Using sophisticated brain imaging techniques, researchers have found
that some seemingly unconscious patients with severe brain damage are,
in fact, capable of responding to speech. "The results challenge our
thinking about the possible inner lives these patients may experience,
and also motivate renewed interest in research aimed at recovery and
rehabilitation," said the study's senior author, Joy Hirsch, Ph.D.,
professor of neuroradiology and psychology and director of the fMRI
Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center. "Brain imaging
can be thought of as giving a voice to minimally conscious patients
and allows us as physicians and scientists to be more aware about the
patient's potential for rehabilitation." More at
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/02/050211090900.htm