Man Was in Vegetative State for 15 Years. Then They Tried Something New

A 35-year-old Frenchman who had been in a vegetative state since he was 20 showed signs of consciousness after a treatment that researchers say upends the idea that there is no chance of a patient recovering after being in a persistent vegetative state for more than a year. Researchers say the patient, who suffered severe brain injuries in a car accident, began tracking objects with his eyes, turning his head toward people speaking to him, and even responding to simple requests after a vagus nerve stimulator was implanted in his chest, the Guardian reports. 

The vagus nerve runs to the brain stem from other parts of the body and it is already stimulated to treat disorders including epilepsy.

Read the full story on Newser.com

More From Newser


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content