After 15 Years in a Vegetative State, Man Responds to Nerve Stimulation #Science

PET scan images of the brain show areas of the brain where glucose metabolism, necessary for mental function, increased following vagus nerve stimulation.

"Our results show major changes at the brain level," Sirigu said. One electroencephalogram or EEG signal, "a brain rhythm previously shown to distinguish vegetative from minimally conscious state patients, significantly increased," she wrote, particularly in areas important for "movement, body sensations and awareness." A PET scan, a type of imaging test, showed increases in metabolic activity in the brain, as well.

CNN:  After 15 years in vegetative state, man responds to nerve stimulation


That was the hard science view of the situation and this one makes it more personal.

A car accident at 20 years old left a French man in a vegetative state for 15 years. But after neurosurgeons implanted a vagus nerve stimulator in his chest, the man, now 35, is showing signs of consciousness, according to a study published Monday in the journal Current Biology.

Vagus nerve stimulation is already used to help people with epilepsy and depression. This cranial nerve runs from the brain to other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs and gut; vagus means "wandering" in Latin.

The study results challenge ideas that consciousness disorders lasting longer than 12 months are irreversible, the researchers believe.

- CNN

The research doctors proved their point amazingly but it's important to keep the view this is an individual example.


The biggest Rockhouse caution on this is extending too far since the doctors say it could offer some real benefit for people in such a vegetative state but they're specific that it doesn't mean all of them.

He noted that every case of vegetative state is unique based on what caused damage to the brain, how severe that injury was and what regions were harmed.

A vegetative state can be caused by a variety of injuries, including traumatic brain injury, injury to neurons caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow during cardiac arrest or meningitis, he explained.

For these reasons, the vagus nerve stimulation technique will not work with all patients, Bernat noted, still it's worth doing more studies to find out which patients will benefit from it.

- CNN

The concern is that legal challenges from various groups regarding turning off life support for someone in such a state may be bolstered despite the fact this is not a one-size-fits-all solution.


The larger, longer Hope is perhaps the scientists can extend their understanding beyond this to offer real benefit to more people in this state.  In the case of brain trauma, that probably won't ever be all of them but it seems likely their knowledge and skills may rise so consequently will their abilities to render meaningful aid.

It's unknown if this type of therapy could offer anything to someone dear to many of us, Michael Shumacher.  He's been in a severely-diminished state for years now and perhaps someday science really can help him.  The results from this example are stunning but one mustn't get too far ahead of the science.  Nevertheless, the result was real and offers real optimism about future assistance for at least some subset of these people.