Vegetative patients may be more aware than we knew
New research is upending what we thought about the consciousness of patients.
From The Times
April 19, 2026

New research is upending what we thought about the consciousness of vegetative patients, leaving families with agonizing choices.

A delicate pencil drawing of a pair of closed eyes.

Illustration by Denise Nestor

“Covert consciousness” is not new. Why is it still so unexplored?

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