An Angus teenager left in a vegetative state after a failed suicide attempt has shown signs of improvement.
Lauren Millman, 18, of Arbroath has been making subtle responses although her parents say they are “not expecting any miracles.”
Gillian and Rob hope Lauren can undergo a SMART assessment process which was invented at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in London.
The hospital specialises in the rehabilitation of brain-injured patients and the complex SMART assessment explores all five senses.
Patients are asked to track objects with their eyes, to try to press switches and to look at photographs. They are also given things to taste and smell.
Mum Gillian said: “When we were able to bring her home in October we were told it would be for end of life care and that she wouldn’t make it to Christmas.
“She is still with us and we have seen some changes as have members of the multi-disciplinary team looking after her subtle responses; moving her head towards new sounds; and signs of getting upset about things.
“She had to go into hospital for a procedure and when we were talking about it she tensed up.
“I use lemon and glycerine swabs to freshen her mouth up and she screwed her face up and shook her head because of the sourness.
“We’re not expecting any miracles but there are some services available out there.”
Lauren, who was studying higher social sciences at Angus College, found it difficult to discuss her problems and tried to take her life in September.
The failed suicide attempt caused catastrophic damage to her brain which has left her in a vegetative state.
Her parents are now looking after her with the help of district nursing staff and a team of carers from the council’s social work department.
Gillian has been raising money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) since the tragedy happened.
In Scotland, two people take their own lives every day and suicide is the biggest killer of young people, but the associated stigma can make it difficult to talk to others.
Lauren’s friends have also been raising money for SAMH, with a skydive and charity evening being arranged in the coming weeks.