Cogito Ergo Sum by MRI
2010; Massachusetts Medical Society; Volume: 362; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1056/nejme0909667
ISSN1533-4406
Autores Tópico(s)Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
ResumoWhat is left of the human being when the brain is badly damaged has been a question for philosophers and theologians. Now, however, an imaginative series of experiments using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, culminating in the article by Monti and colleagues in this issue of the Journal, 1 has revealed a form of preserved cognition in ostensibly unconscious patients.The unfortunate term "vegetative" has been used to describe patients whose eyes open after a period of coma but who lack any meaningful responses to stimuli. Open eyes give the impression of normal alertness, but the patient's behavioral . . .
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