In April 16×9 aired an episode featuring patients diagnosed as “vegetative” after suffering severe brain damage. Using sophisticated scanners Canadian neuroscientists were able to see significant brain activity in the patients, electrical signals that held promise of cognitive recovery. In effect, the patients were “talking” to their doctors and showing their original diagnoses of a vegetative state were mistaken.
Since 16×9 aired the original episode one of the patients we featured, Leonard Rodrigues, has shown continuing progress in his rehabilitation. Family members report that Leonard, with the help of standing frames, is learning to stand on his own. He has also slowly regained his ability to swallow, he is responding with eye movement and he is moving his mouth when engaged in conversation.
For an encore presentation of “Waking the Brain” watch 16×9 this Friday at 8 PM – AT/MT, 9 PM – CT, 10 PM – ET/PT.
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