Could a patient in a coma be unresponsive, but aware?

Researchers have found that many patients with brain damage, who appear unconscious, do still think and understand some things being said to them. — dpa

Little is known about the brain and states of consciousness, but recent studies may give grounds for hope.

If a person suffers a severe brain injury, then lands in intensive care in a coma, doctors and relatives will ask whether the patient has regained consciousness yet.