# Comatose Communications PVS Patient Brain Scans Show Potential of Awareness By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-02-06 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pvs-patient-brain-scans References: [cnn](http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/04/vegetative.state/index.html) & [irishtimes](http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0205/1224263813516.html) British and Belgian researchers have found that some people presumed to be in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) may be able to communicate with the assistance of [brain scans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prenuvoprenuvo-operates-a-growing-network-of-clinics-specializing-in-fullbo). In research experiments, [functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-imaging-systems) was used to scan the brain for activity while asking questions of PVS patientes. Signs of consciousness were detected in 4 of the 23 patients studied. These recent findings are likely to spur more experimentation and stir up controversy over ethics in PVS cases as well as challenges to the fMRI methodology and interpretation of the results. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [World News](https://www.trendhunter.com/worldnews) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Persistent Vegetative State Brain Scans:** Advances in fMRI technology could enable better diagnosis and communication with PVS patients. - **Neuroscience-based Diagnosis:** Brain scan technology may revolutionize other areas of healthcare diagnosis and treatment. - **Ethics in Medical Research:** Controversial medical research findings underscore the need for careful ethical consideration and oversight. ### Who This Affects Most - **Healthcare:** Functional MRI technologies could have significant implications for the health diagnostics industry. - **Neuroscience:** Advancements in fMRI techniques could fuel innovation in neuroscience research. - **Research Ethics:** The healthcare industry will need to invest in more rigorous and ethically sound research standards and practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Portable Brain Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mwi-brain-scanner.md) - [Direct-to-Consumer Brain Health Scans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brain-health-scan.md) - [Brain Activity-Focused Research Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurable1.md) - [AI-Enabled Brain Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northwell-health.md) - [Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuralinks.md) - [Electric Pulsed Brain Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inner-cosmos.md) - [Soft Brain-Computer Interface Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interface.md) - [Mind-Controlled Wheelchair Developments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jos-milln.md) - [Assistive Brain-Sensing Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think2switch.md)