Good News for Minimally Conscious Patients

A 38-year old man who has been in a minimally conscious state for six years due to severe brain trauma. Before the operation he could only move his fingers or eyes, and couldn't eat and had to be fed through a tube. Now, after the operation, he lives a normal life. The procedure used is common for patients with Parkinson's disease.

The procedure implants three components: the lead, the extension, and the neurostimulator. The lead (also called an electrode)—a thin, insulated wire—is inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain. The tip of the electrode is positioned within the targeted brain area. Visit http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/deep_brain_stimulation/deep_brain_stimulation.htm for more information about the procedure.

This operation has been the first of hopefully many to help patients with traumatic brain injury.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/science/jump-leads-revive-man-after-6-years/2007/08/02/1185648010317.html