Physicians See ‘Significant Brain Activity’ in Comatose Former Israeli Prime Minister

Doctors in Israel say they had detected “significant brain activity” during tests on former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma since suffering a brain hemorrhage seven years ago. During two hours of tests late last week, brain scientists showed Sharon pictures of his family, had him listen to his son’s voice and employed tactile stimulation — and were surprised when scans indicated his brain was processing the stimuli appropriately.

Sharon, 84, was a divisive figure in Israeli politics. A former army officer, as prime minister, he supported the expansion of Jewish settlements; then, in 2005, he orchestrated a military and civilian withdrawal of settlers from Gaza. After he suffered the massive stroke in 2006, Sharon was declared permanently incapacitated and had been presumed to be in a vegetative state. For more information, click here to read the full release.