Coma
Coma is a state of unconsciousness, but unlike sleep, the person is unresponsive, even to pain. It is really a form of brain injury and may be temporary or last a long time. Coma can be caused by toxins like alcohol, or a brain trauma (injury). It is frequently related to the circulatory system - the brain may not be getting oxygen, or there is low blood sugar.
Treatment is to help support life functions. Comas related to drugs or toxins have a high rate of recovery. Many times if the problem can be treatedantibiotics, increasing blood sugar, giving a person time to heal from an injurythe person recovers completely. Comas often last a few weeks.
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- Q What is the prognosis for coma?
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The outcome for coma and persistent vegetative state depends on the cause, severity, and site of neurological damage. Individuals may emerge from coma with a combination of physical, intellectual, and psychological difficulties that need special... Full Answer
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- Q What does a coma mean with a TBI?
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While an alert person has a normal state of arousal, someone in a coma from traumatic brain injury is unresponsive and cannot be aroused. The brain injury may be the result of bleeding, increased pressure from swelling, or a build-up of toxins in the... Full Answer
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- Q What is a coma?
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A coma is a condition in which a person is unconscious and unresponsive, usually for a prolonged period of time. The arms and legs may respond reflexively, but there is no response to painful stimuli. Breathing may become irregular, but for the most... Full Answer
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- Q What can cause a coma?
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A coma may be caused by many different things, but ultimately a coma occurs when the part of the brain, called the reticular activating system, which controls arousal, and the cerebrum on the upper part of the brain, is not functioning properly.... Full Answer
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- Q Can drug overdose lead to coma?
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Drug overdose is one possible trigger for a coma. An overdose of a toxic substance can slow the nerve cells in the brain and as brain function decreases the oxygen, sugar, and other substances necessary for proper brain function decreases. Drug induced... Full Answer
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- Q Can I go into a coma if I drink too much alcohol?
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Alcohol-induced comas are possible. A very high concentration of alcohol in the blood can cause varying states of unconsciousness, including coma. Extreme intoxication can lead to a slowing of brain function and a loss of oxygen to the brain. This can... Full Answer
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- Q How is a coma diagnosed?
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A doctor's observation that a person is completely unresponsive and cannot be aroused confirms a coma. To determine the cause of the coma and to rule out other conditions, the doctor will perform a physical exam to check pulse, breathing, body... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for coma?
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A coma can be caused by any number of injuries that affect the brain. Certain illnesses increase your risk of falling into a coma. If you have diabetes, you must maintain appropriate sugar levels, because if your sugar remains either too high or too low,... Full Answer
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- Q What causes coma?
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A coma may be caused by many different things, but ultimately a coma occurs when the part of the brain, called the reticular activating system, which controls arousal, and the cerebrum on the upper part of the brain, is not functioning properly. Traffic... Full Answer
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- Q What questions will the doctor ask if I accompany someone in a coma?
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If you accompany someone in a coma to the hospital, try to prepare as much information as possible. The doctor will need to know if any medications were taken, if the person has any medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, if the symptoms... Full Answer
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