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Published online 7 September 2006 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news060904-11
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Thoughts of woman in 'waking coma' revealed
Brain scans of vegetative patient ignites debate over her awareness.
Neuroscientists have reignited the debate over whether patients in a vegetative state are conscious of their surroundings, by claiming that a woman in such a 'waking coma' can respond to verbal commands. The researchers say that brain scans show that she can selectively think of performing certain actions, such as playing tennis, on request.
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