Revolutionary Method Discovered to Determine True Coma State

A new study shows that smells can help determine the best treatment for patients in comas, vegetative states, or minimally conscious states, collectively known as disorders of consciousness (DoC). Tests involving 28 patients in various levels of consciousness were carried out by a team from the Southern Medical University in China. Different odors, including vanillin and decanoic acid, were tried in the experiments, while electroencephalogram (EEG) scans were used to monitor brain activity. A higher level of consciousness tended to mean more of a response to the smells. The olfactory response may help in the assessment of consciousness and may contribute to therapeutic orientation.