'Hidden consciousness' detected in some coma patients

[S.O.T.T]: When someone is unresponsive for days or weeks, doctors use a variety of tests to determine the likelihood of the person pulling through. But these predictions tend to be inaccurate, the researchers say - which isn't a surprise considering we're pretty much in the dark when it comes to understanding consciousness.

Consciousness, and how the brain creates it, is far from settled. Nevertheless, hidden consciousness is a growing field of interest among researchers. At least one study has found that a segment of patients who were outwardly vegetative had brain activity and connectedness similar to that of healthy, normal adults. But for some reason, they aren't able to wake up. Tests for these invisible signs of consciousness could help doctors better direct their care in the future.

If one thing is clear, it's that hidden forms of cognition are strong predictors of recovery. But researchers haven't settled on the best way to detect this gray area of consciousness in clinical settings...read more>>>...