Tuesday, December 21, 2010

People in a coma able to learn, - scientists


It turned out that people who are in a coma, despite the lack of means to give signals about its condition, can learn. This suggests that they are at least partially retain consciousness

Scientists first tested the ability of patients in a vegetative state and minimal consciousness, to learn. Convinced that such patients have the ability, the scientists intend to propose this simple test for use by practitioners. This saves doctors from having to assess the state of consciousness with the help of magnetic resonance imaging, reported MedicInform.Net

Using the classical conditioned reflex, the researchers lost a certain sound just before a blow to the patient in the eye. After some time, patients began zazhmurivat eyes, as only heard this sound.

Such learning requires conscious build links between stimuli - playing sound and the subsequent events. A similar study with a control group of volunteers in the state of anesthesia, did not happen.

The researchers believe that patients' ability to capture the connection between the events, said that they can form memories, and therefore can be subjected to rehabilitation. This test can be useful, since it is a very simple way to assess the patient's consciousness, which does not require special equipment.

In addition, the findings suggest that these patients have a chance for partial recovery, summed up the experts.

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