The severely brain-injured patient may demonstrate a limited repertoire of responses. Anecdotal accounts suggest that stimuli of personal relevance, or of an unusual or innovatory nature, may sometimes elicit more meaningful responses. Two cases of severe acquired brain injury are described, in whom overall levels of responsiveness had been very low since coma ended. The use of stimuli with personal relevance provoked strong responses and presaged further behavioural change. The implications are discussed.