A recent study has found that one in five people in a coma may be “locked in”, meaning they are aware of their surroundings but unable to communicate. This phenomenon was previously thought to be rare, but the latest research has brought attention to the issue.

Individuals with disorders of consciousness, such as those in a coma or vegetative state, were tested using behavioral and brain imaging tasks. Participants were asked to think about performing various activities, such as playing tennis or swimming, while brain activity was monitored using MRI scans or EEG. Surprisingly, 20 percent of those in a coma or vegetative state showed brain activity that matched that of healthy individuals.

The implications of this study are significant, as it suggests that a considerable number of individuals with severe brain damage may have hidden awareness. This raises ethical questions about end-of-life decisions and the importance of consulting individuals about their wishes before discontinuing life-prolonging treatment.

Furthermore, the study highlights disparities in access to advanced technologies like MRI and EEG, which could potentially impact the outcomes for individuals with consciousness disorders. Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are proposed as a possible tool for communication for these individuals, as they have shown promise in transforming brain activity into text on a screen.

Overall, the findings of this study underscore the need for further research and consideration of ethical implications in the treatment and care of individuals with disorders of consciousness. By acknowledging their potential awareness and exploring innovative technologies, we may be able to provide new ways for these individuals to communicate and potentially improve their quality of life.

Source: https://www.pressrundown.com/health/20-of-comatose-individuals-may-be-conscious-of-surroundings