Do Minimally Conscious Patients Have a Chance for Recovery?
In a recent post, I shared the story of Sarah Scantlin, who came out of a minimally conscious state (MCS) after more than 20 years.
Technology Review recently ran a story, Raising Consciousness, that highlights the story of Terry Wallis, a 39-year old man who was in MCS for 19 years after a car accident. In 2003, Wallis came out of that state and has continued to make improvements.
The article also discusses the research of several medical professionals who are trying to find out how the brain works when in MCS and what a patients chances of recovery may be. The researchers have learned much, but have not been able to pinpoint any one factor that indicates who will be most likely to recover. They plan to continue study, hoping to find ways to stimulate recovery of people in MCS. I believe this work can benefit people affected by Traumatic Brain Injury.
You can read the story here.