May 15, 2011

Scientists have created Belgium new technique   definition of consciousness in a fully paralyzed people. The results of research published in the journal Science.

A group of researchers from Liege University   under the direction of Melanie Pain has developed a new method for the determination of consciousness in paralyzed patients. As is well known, as a result of brain damage, many patients fall into vegetative state Characterized by a complete lack of mental functions. According to researchers, about 40% of cases are diagnosed incorrectly because of these patients retained consciousness, but it can not occur because paralysis .

In order to identify patients with a low level of consciousness, scientists have proposed to apply Sound Test . The study involved eight patients diagnosed with vegetative state, 13 people with the lowest level of consciousness and a control group, which consisted of healthy volunteers.

The subjects were asked to listen to a series of beeps. During listening scientists fixed brain function, using electroencephalography .

According to the study, patients in a vegetative state recorded nerve impulses Coming only from the temporal cortex, is directly responsible for the perception of sound signals. While in healthy volunteers and in a group of patients with a low level of consciousness a fixed pulse width, carried out in both directions.

Thus, the researchers concluded that this technique allows more accurate differentiate patients with a low level of consciousness, and patients in a vegetative state. The authors also noted that the implementation of the method requires more extensive research involving participation of more subjects.