Patients Who Are in a Vegetative State Appear to Be

question 233

Multiple Choice

Patients who are in a vegetative state appear to be awake but show no awareness of their surroundings, and do not respond to sight, sound, or touch. Given the work of researchers at University of Western Ontario, what can you say about people in this state?

• A)So far, all attempts to communicate with them have failed.
• B)They may be able to communicate if you find the right technique.
• C)Researchers using fMRI have shown them to be completely unresponsive.
• D)It's important to acknowledge and accept that the person you knew no longer exists.
• E)Researchers using fMRI have been able to communicate directly with patients in this state.

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Definitions:

Dynorphins

A class of opioid peptides produced in many parts of the brain, known for their role in modulating pain, emotion, stress, and addiction.

Interleukin-2

A type of cytokine signaling molecule in the immune system, essential for the growth, proliferation, and differentiation of T cells.

Prolactin

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in mammals after childbirth.

Milk Production

The biological process facilitated by the mammary glands, resulting in the secretion of milk to feed offspring.