Patients in a persistent vegetative state are a term we often hear mentioned in various films or literary works, and even frequently encountered in real life, but the vast majority of people do not have a clear understanding of what this state actually is. In fact, many people only know the term "vegetative state" without knowing what it really means.
To put it simply, a vegetative state refers to a condition of existence akin to that of a plant.
These patients can open their eyes, and sometimes their gaze can move.
They can smile, cry, and even grab a loved one's hand or mutter groans.
However, all these actions are just purposeless reflex movements.
Just like a plant, they breathe, and their pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature are all normal.
Moreover, if you "water and fertilize" them, they can still grow robustly.
But patients in a vegetative state no longer have consciousness, perception, thinking, or other higher neural activities unique to humans.
