WorldNetDaily reported today about a man who suffered a brain injury that left him in a "permanent vegetative state" for nineteen years and then recovered.
In a new medical study sure to remind the world of the debate surrounding the forced dehydration death of Terri Schiavo, researchers found the injured brain of a man in a "vegetative state" for 19 years rewired itself, permitting him to renew communication with his loved ones.
The findings by Nicholas Schiff and his colleagues at Weill Medical College at Cornell University suggest the human brain shows far greater potential for recovery and regeneration then ever before suspected.
In 1984, 19-year-old Terry Wallis was thrown from his pick-up truck in an accident near his Massachusetts home. He was not found until 24 hours later, in a coma with massive brain injuries.
Within a few weeks he had stabilized in what was alternately characterized as a "minimally conscious state" or a "permanent vegetative state." Most doctors saw little hope he would ever improve.
And he didn't – for 19 years. Then, in 2003, he started to speak.
Over a three-day period, Wallis regained the ability to move and communicate, and started getting to know his 20-year-old daughter, only 1 year old at the time of the accident.
The researchers are using new brain imaging technologies, combined with PET scans, to study the way Wallis's brain has rewired itself around the injured areas.
They found that new axons – the branches that connect neurons together – seemed to have grown, establishing new working brain circuits. In short, his brain had rewired itself.
Wallis's dad says his son has even regained his old sense of humor.
This is why I want to be kept on life support, if it comes to that. Do not pull the plug! I want this chance.
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