A canadian man had been in a vegetative state following a cardiac arrest that he suffered 16 years ago. His brain activity was monitored while he was shown a film by Alfred Hitchcock. The pattern of brain activity appeared linked to feelings of suspense as he watched the film. 12 healthy volunteers were also shown the film and their brain activity scanned. The patient’s brain activity was indistinguishable from that of the healthy volunteers.

Professor Adrian Owen from Western University, Canada who conducted the study said that this approach can detect not only whether a patient is conscious but also what that patient might be thinking.

Scientists estimate that 1 in 5 patients in a vegetative state appeared to be minimally conscious. They retain a sophisticated awareness of what is happening but are unable to communicate.