Although near-fully paralyzed patients have been given a means to communicate via eye movements or other small remaining abilities, Ars Technica reports that four patients that are totally paralyzed (unable to even breath or blink) have successfully communicated via a cutting-edge process.
This non-invasive technique measures blood-oxygen levels and electrical activity in the brain, fed to a computer to decipher yes or no answers. Through a series of questions and measurements, the computer is trained on what a yes or no looks like in a given patient and for a foundation for communication.
3 of the patients were asked if they were happy and glad to be alive and each responded positively.