Ariel Sharon - PVS for 5 Years, But Now Responsive?

The personal doctor of former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon said that he "responds to pinches and opens his eyes when spoken to."  This is, of course, consistent with the vegetative state Sharon has been in for over five years.  These very basic stimuli reactions do not indicate consciousness, awareness, or purposeful action.  Still, such reports surely foster false hope for many surrogates with family members in similar states.