Most patients with so-called "locked in syndrome" are happy – and few would choose euthanasia, according to a study reported today.
People with the condition are regarded as locked into their bodies as they are paralysed and can only communicate with their eyes. However they are fully conscious.
Some 91 patients in France took part in the study and 72 per cent said they were happy.
The remaining 28 per cent fretted about getting around and taking part in recreational and social activities.
The 91 replies came from 168 members of an association, who were sent surveys.
The findings are reported in a new on-line spin-off from the British Medical Journal, BMJ Open.
Just four people said they would choose to end their lives if they had the chance.
Researcher Professor Steven Laureys, a coma specialist at the University of Liège, Belgium, said: "Our data show that, whatever the physical devastation and mental distress of patients during the acute phase of the condition, optimal life sustaining care and revalidation can have major long term benefit.
"We suggest that patients recently struck by the syndrome should be informed that, given proper care, they have a considerable chance of regaining a happy life."
He adds: "In our view, shortening of life requests … are valid only when the patients have been give a chance to attain a steady state of subjective wellbeing."
BMJ Open 2011 doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2010-000039
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