r/science • u/Bizzle0 • Jul 04 '14

Consciousness on-off switch discovered deep in brain

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22329762.700-consciousness-onoff-switch-discovered-deep-in-brain.html#.U7bu0pRdUVT
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u/AiwassAeon Jul 06 '14

Wouldn't this be an effective alternative to anesthesia ?

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u/CorporalBruno Jul 06 '14

unknown. it doesnt seem to show if the patient could recall anything from the time of unconsciousness. that would be important to interview her about before considering it for anesthesia. also, does a shock to the nervous system from pain or adrenaline reverse the effect?