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What Is a Coma Exactly?
The outcome of a coma depends on the severity and cause.
Often, the medical cause is treated while a person is receiving respiratory and other support.
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What Is a Persistent Vegetative State?
Types of Coma
Health conditions can lead to a coma in different ways.
Some of the categories include:
A coma can involve one or more of these physical changes.
What Is the Cause of a Coma?
Several medical conditions can affect a persons level of consciousness, potentially causing a coma.
The most common causes of coma include:
What Are the Signs of a Coma?
A coma may be diagnosed during a hospital stay or suspected during an emergency response.
First responders will often describe a persons state of consciousness using the AVPU scale.
The scale can also help healthcare professionals track improvement, decline, or stability.
The scale provides a maximum possible score of 15, which correlates to a mild coma.
The lowest score of 3 indicates a deep coma.
Often, treatment involves medical stabilization to minimize the risk of permanent brain damage.
Medication to help manage any ongoing infections or inflammatory conditions is sometimes necessary.
After recovery from a coma, rehabilitation can help to strengthen breathing muscles and build muscle strength and control.
Many coma survivors will also need speech and swallow therapy.
Whats the Outlook for Someone in a Coma?
Many people can recover from a coma.
Waking Up From a Coma
Waking up from a coma is usually a gradual process.
If your loved one is waking up from a coma, remain patient and anticipate a slow recovery.
Will You Remember Anything That Happened During the Coma?
What Are the Risk Factors for Comas?
A head injury is the most clear-cut risk factor for a coma.
Additionally, health conditions that can lead to rapid alterations in metabolism can also cause a coma.
Can You Prevent a Coma?
That said, there is no specific coma prevention strategy.
Taking care of your health is the best way to prevent serious brain damage that could lead to unconsciousness.
Summary
A coma is a state of unresponsiveness.
Several health conditions are known to have the risk of leading to a coma.
Many people can recover from a coma, depending on its severity and underlying cause.
When your loved one is stabilized, their healthcare providers will discuss expectations and treatment plans with you.
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