What Kermit Taught Me

Many of you may have probably heard about the recent study showing brain activity in minimally conscious people. Carl Zimmer blogged about it here. Terri Schiavo apparently is not in this catagory of people. Cases like hers are tough and I can see both sides of the argument. I hope I never have to deal with similar circumstances. I don't know much about neurology or neuroscience, but a demonstration in my undergraduate physiology class was very interesting.


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As part of the class, we watched a video where a frog's head was cut off leaving the base of the brain and upper spinal cord in tact. The frog could still jump around--and not in an uncoordinated, flailing way either. The frog was then suspended and paper soaked in acetic acid was placed on its foot. The frog responded by kicking its leg until the paper fell off.

This was an interesting demonstration of the presence and capabilities of reflexes. The frog was obviously not conscious anymore, yet its behavior and movement was suprisingly consistant with what conscious frogs do. I'm not therefore arguing that Terri Schiavo's feeding tube be removed, but the frog demonstration helps me to believe doctors who say Terri's behavior lacks consciousness behind it and that the real Terri is gone for good.

Side note: I remember reading in the General Handbook of Instructions that the Church's policy is that not every measure has to be taken to sustain life. (corrections welcomed) I think this displays a practical acknowledgement that we all will/must die, so it is not necessary to fight death off with every weapon available. (I'm thinking of cancer patients who have given treatment a good shot and decide not to fight anymore.)