The
new tool, developed by researchers from Italy’s University of Milan, could
provide doctors with a more objective method that gauges the complexity of a
patient’s consciousness.
Advances in brain science keep
us informed and help us better understand how the brain functions. And when it
comes to making end-of-life plans, the more we know the better off we are at
making informed decisions for our well-being and the well-being of our loved
ones.
A recent Forbes article, titled “Tool That Looks For Consciousness In The
Brain Could Change End-Of-Life Decisions,” considers new science that may
change the way many end-of-life decisions are made.
Historically, doctors have used
MRI machines to scan the brain for activity in response to verbal stimuli.
However, this method is said to be of little value in determining
“consciousness,” as even patients in a so-called “vegetative state” may exhibit
significant brain activity. In fact, the likelihood of patient recovery of such
patients is difficult to determine via this MRI approach.
A new tool developed in Italy
offers new hope. It operates in three fundamental steps. First, a magnetic
pulse is sent into the brain to “wake it up.” Then, an EEG machine measures the
brain wave activity in response to the pulse. Finally, and most significantly,
the complexity of consciousness is measured by a formula, instead of merely
measuring brain activity.
The problem point, emotionally,
scientifically and philosophically, is consciousness;
when is it there and when is it not?
Even with this, and other
potential future medical advancements, there remains a gray area regarding the
issue of patient recovery when it comes to the brain. Consequently, you need to
ensure that your advance health care directives and organ donation (or
non-donation) wishes are current and communicated with your loved ones and
physician.
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Reference: Forbes
(August 17, 2013) “Tool That Looks For Consciousness In The
Brain Could Change End-Of-Life Decisions”