We have heard amazing stories before involving people in comas who have miraculously come back into consciousness. That might not be where former Ariel Sharon is after seven years in a coma, but recent brain detected in Israel's former prime minister is certainly giving medical professionals hope.
This weekend, a team of Israeli and American scientists said new tests showed Sharon responded to external stimuli, demonstrating significant signs of brain activity. The activity reportedly increased when he was being shown pictures of his family and played a recording of his son's voice.
The 84-year-old has been in a coma since 2006, when he suffered a massive stroke. Since then, he has been in a vegetative state, connected to a respirator.
The doctors at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba said that during tests, "significant brain activity was observed... indicating appropriate processing of these stimulations."
Sharon was a highly-respected and decorated military officer who fought in three wars before entering politics. He was admired by many Israelis as a great military leader, but considered an enemy by Palestinians.
He was elected prime minister in 2001 and served until his stroke in 2006.
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