In the body of a man inserted a pacemaker.
35-year-old man, who for 15 years was in a coma, has shown signs of consciousness after neurosurgery he implanted a vagus nerve stimulator.
The success of such treatment is contrary to the belief that disorders of consciousness that persist for longer than 12 months are irreversible, the article says Medical Express.
In the abdominal cavity of the men were pacemaker installed, which is connected to one of the endings of the vagus nerve. This nerve connects the brain with the dozens of body organs, for example intestines, heart and lungs.
“Stimulating the vagus nerve, we were able to show that we can improve the patient’s condition and bring him back to “our world” when all seems lost,” explains Angela Sirigu from the Institute of cognitive Sciences in Lyon.
Soon after connecting the stimulator to the recording of brain activity showed significant changes. In particular, the active region of the brain involved in movement, feelings and awareness. Well as increased metabolism in both cortical and subcortical areas of the brain.
These improve the functioning of the brain became apparent that the man started to respond to the words and actions of others and to obey simple commands of physicians. In particular, it can track an object, turning the head, stopped to sleep, when he read the book. Besides, the man began to react to sudden movements and to show other reactions that are not typical for people in a coma.
Currently, the researchers are planning a large collaborative study to confirm and expand the therapeutic potential of vagus nerve stimulation in patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious state.
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