The BBC announced this week that researchers may be able to predict whether or not a brain-damaged coma patient will be able to regain consciousness. They have based their premise on an area within the brain’s cortex that is more active when the conscious mind isn’t working towards a goal or activity. Because of this, researchers have associated that area with the daydreaming action of the brain.
When specialists are working to assess the degree of consciousness in coma patients, they have difficulty predicting exactly how “awake” the patient is when there is any level of activity in the brain. A more accurate level is gained from scanning brain activity in the daydreaming area of the brain. While not yet past the initial stages of testing, this study is significant as it may help with consciousness diagnostics.
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