‘Locked-in’ patients still aware, test shows

SIMPLE brainwave measurements can detect awareness in people who appear to be in a vegetative state, research has shown.

Scientists used a portable electroencephalography (EEG) device to record electrical signals from the brains of 16 patients.

Three produced repeated and appropriate EEG patterns when told to imagine moving their right hand and toes. The brainwave reactions showed they were aware of the commands and able to respond to them.