What is it?
A coma is a state of unconsciousness where a person is unresponsive and cannot be woken. Someone in coma has minimal brain activity. They’re alive but show no signs of awareness. A coma state can be a result from injury to the brain, a stroke, alcohol poisoning, or a brain infection.
Signs & symptoms
Signs and symptoms of coma include closed eyes, no responses of limbs and to painful stimuli, except for reflex movements, and depressed brainstem reflexes, such as pupils not shrinking in response to light.
Diagnosis
Because it’s impossible to question people in coma, doctors must rely on physical clues and information provided by their friends and families. Some of the information the doctors would have to investigate include: events leading up to the coma, details about how the patient lost consciousness, signs before losing consciousness. Physical exam, laboratory tests and brains scans are also part of the diagnosing process to assure the mental status of the patient.
Treatment
Treatment of a coma depends on the cause. Doctors may give breathing assistance, intravenous medications and other supportive care.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.
Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
.png)
Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality
Free
Alike Wisdom
Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences
You might also like