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Could This Test Objectively Measure Human Consciousness?
Determining whether a brain-injured patient is conscious is fraught with moral and ethical complexity: What does it mean to be awake? What does it mean to be truly alive? Medically, it’s an open question, as doctors have to determine whether a vegetative patient’s responses to stimuli are reflexive or purposeful. Morally and legally, it’s a minefield–remember Terri Schiavo? Despite the difficulties, neuroscientists in Europe are moving closer to an objective measure of consciousness.
We have seen several interesting tests and therapies over the years to assess locked-in and vegetative patients, and even to help them communicate. In one notable case, a man who was categorized as vegetative and unconscious responded to yes-or-no questions in the same manner as a fully alert person.
