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. Traffic accidents and violence cause comas more than any other illness or injury. Many illnesses may cause the reticular activating system or the cerebrum to malfunction, including tumor, aneurysm, seizures, stroke, lack of oxygen, or diabetes. Taking too many medications, illegal drugs, or alcohol can also result in a comatose state.
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... More -
Discovery Health answered:Comas can be caused by brain injuries and by illnesses that affect the brain.
Severe head trauma can cause the brain to move back and forth in the skull, tearing blood vessels and nerve fibers, and causing swelling in the brain. This swelling blocks the flow of blood-and with it, oxygen-to the brain. The oxygen-and blood-starved areas begin to die. Infections of the brain and spinal cord, such as encephalitis or meningitis, can also cause the brain to swell. An excess of blood inside the brain or skull, caused by conditions such as a skull fracture or a burst aneurysm, can also lead to swelling.
An ischemic stroke, caused when a blocked artery starves the brain of blood and oxygen, can also lead to a coma.
A diabetic coma can result when blood sugar is extremely high or low. The bodies of people with diabetes do not produce enough of the hormone insulin, which regulates the levels of glucose in the blood.
Other sources of comas include brain tumors, alcohol or drug overdoses, seizure disorders, extremely high blood pressure and lack of oxygen to the brain.
A coma can come on immediately or gradually. If an illness or infection causes the coma, the person might run a high fever, feel dizzy or seem lethargic before the becoming comatose. If the cause is a stroke or severe head trauma, a coma can result almost immediately.
Comas can be caused by brain injuries and by illnesses that affect the brain. Severe head trauma can cause the brain to move back and forth in the skull, tearing blood vessels and nerve fibers, and causing swelling in the brain. This swelling blocks... More
