Health Decisions Blog

Family members with loved ones who are hospitalized in a vegetative state may soon be better able to meet their needs.

A bedside device which enables doctors to read the minds of patients hospitalized in a vegetative state would soon be available.

According to researchers those patients may soon be able to have their thoughts and feelings communicated.  The device would bridge the communication gap between patients , their family members and hospital caregivers; it will serve as a form of communication so their needs can be met.

In a research trial, researchers used an advanced brain scanner to detect signs of consciousness in patients who lack total awareness.

Three out of 16 patients in a vegetative state responded to commands.

By knowing what these patients think  and how they feel, family members and hospital caregivers can better meet their needs.

Read more about this study.