Scientists jump-start two people’s brains after coma

Amazing stuff! Almost a miracle!

"... report that two more patients with severe brain injuries — both had been in what scientists call a long-term “minimally conscious state” — have made impressive progress thanks to the same technique. ...

One is a 56-year-old man who had suffered a stroke and had been in a minimally conscious state, unable to communicate, for more than 14 months. After the first of two treatments, he demonstrated, for the first time, the ability to consistently respond to two distinct commands — the ability to drop or grasp a ball, and the ability to look toward separate photographs of two of his relatives when their names were mentioned.

He also could nod or shake his head to indicate “yes” or “no” when asked questions such as “Is X your name?” and “Is Y your wife’s name?”  ... In the days following the second treatment, he also demonstrated, for the first time since the stroke, the ability to use a pen on paper and to raise a bottle to his mouth, as well as to communicate and answer questions. ..."

"... The rapid (re)development of low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) as a means of reversible modulation of (subcortical) brain tissue offers a potential alternative to [Deep Brain Stimulation] DBS for restorative intervention in [disorder of consciousness] DOC. ..."

Scientists jump-start two people’s brains after coma | UCLA ‘Stunning to see with your own eyes,’ says UCLA neuroscientist Martin Monti

Here is the underlying research paper:

Ultrasonic Thalamic Stimulation in Chronic Disorders of Consciousness