Unconscious stupor

In the schizophrenic condition known as catatonic stupor the patient is usually aware of the surroundings, their nature and details, although he may appear sensorially deadened. In the preliminary phase of death a true stupor manifests, although here too appearances can be deceptive, as those recovering from a clinically-pronounced death-state may report unbroken awareness. These two example of apparent stupor or death of the sensibility raise the possibility that awareness may have an alternative mechanism to that of the known senses.