Study Reveals Hidden Consciousness in 25% of Unresponsive Brain Injury Patients

Advanced brain scans show significant cognitive activity in patients previously thought to be entirely unresponsive, raising ethical and clinical questions.

Research used fMRI and EEG to detect covert awareness in 60 out of 241 patients.
Findings suggest a higher prevalence of cognitive motor dissociation than previously estimated.
Patients demonstrating covert awareness can understand language and follow instructions mentally.
Results could impact life-sustaining treatment decisions and patient care practices.
Further research needed to standardize detection methods and explore potential interventions.