what causes a coma

When coma results from traumatic head injury, the cause usually is clear. A stroke takes place any time blood flow to the brain is limited or stopped altogether, and coma is a common symptom for those who survive. This is usually done by inserting a suction tube down the throat of the patient. They will shine a light into the patient’s eyes to see if the pupils react properly by constricting. The person’s age and general health also matters. In extreme cases of diabetes, blood sugar will rise too high or fall too low, processes which can lead to a coma. All rights reserved. Diabetic coma is a dangerous condition that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. A long-term coma is often referred to as a persistent vegetative state. Causes or a coma vary, but they all involve some level of injury to the brain or CNS. Consciousness is not a lights-on/lights-off proposition, which the term unconscious implies. To understand why someone has fallen into coma after stroke, it’s important to know what causes a stroke to begin with. Some specific examples include: 1. traumatic brain injuries, such as those caused by traffic accidents or violent fights 2. stroke (reduced … A coma is a state in which a person has no meaningful response or interaction with their environment. Anything that suppresses brain activity can cause it. The cause of the coma can be more difficult to determine. In addition to restricting blood flow, heart attacks also cut off blood flow to the brain, a process called hypoxia or anoxia. People look unresponsive, but are awake. Side effects of an induced coma can vary slightly and it all depends on the length of the induced coma and it also depends on the drugs being used. Doctors normally order a battery of blood tests and a brain CT scan to try to determine what'… Though they are unresponsive, they may still grimace, cry and even laugh without any meaning behind it. These are common results of head trauma, but both conditions can occur in the brain independently. 1. A coma is a state of unresponsiveness where someone cannot hear sounds, feel pain, move their body or speak. A coma is a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness in which a person cannot be awakened; fails to respond normally to painful stimuli, light, or sound; lacks a normal wake-sleep cycle; and does not initiate voluntary actions. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Referred to in the medical community as “status epilepticus,” chronic seizures limit the brain’s ability to recover from a traumatic event. Besides toxins, simply being extremely sick can throw off the electrolytes in your body. The older and sicker you are, the more likely you are to not wake up from a coma. In general, a coma is temporary, rarely lasting more than two to four weeks. This can result from a clogged artery in the brain (known as ischemic stroke ) or burst artery in the brain (known as hemorrhagic stroke ). 1 doctor agrees. This fluid is what bathes not only our spinal cord but also the brain itself. Many of these patients were comatose previously and after a few days or weeks emerge to an unconscious state in which their eyelids are open, giving the impression that they are awake. Because it’s such a broad category, head trauma can also be an underlying precursor for several other distinct causes of comas. Comas are caused by an injury to the brain. Those who survive heart attacks frequently enter a coma following the cardiac arrest. Clinically, a coma can be defined as the inability consistently to follow a one-step command. It As you get closer to the surface you start to see more things and be more cognizant of what's out there, until you break through to total awareness. Defined as any extended period of unconsciousness, people in a coma cannot be awoken or stimulated despite the appearance of sleep. Sometimes, even the most basic reflexes (x). Comas can be caused by a whole host of medical or environmental issues, from meningitis to a drug overdose to a hard blow to the head.But the idea of a uniform "coma … These are just reflexive jerks, never purposeful movements. This process forms toxic acids known as ketones. If the seizures are frequent enough, this can cause a prolonged coma. Blood sugar that's either too high or too low for too long may cause various serious conditions, all of which can lead to a diabetic coma. A coma is the complete loss of consciousness, while a stupor is a decreased level of consciousness. 0. Causes of coma. Coma is a deep state of unconsciousness which lasts for an unknown period. The person is alive and looks like they are sleeping. But when it comes to the brain, we are at a standstill. posted by Neurology | November 15, 2016. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! It's like being underwater. Medically induced coma vs. sedation for general anesthesia differs in the level of unconsciousness. By Kaitlyn Pirie. Connect with us to stay up to date with current news and upcoming events. There are varying degrees of severity and multiple different causes for coma. However, something is preventing the brain from working properly (x). A coma is a state of unconsciousness where a person is unresponsive and cannot be woken. Other tests including squirting ice water into the ears to assess appropriate eye reactions, and using saline to check for blinking in response to touching the eye surface. You are either suffering from high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). what causes a coma? This causes an image that is not in the center of the field to appear as wedge-shaped. These include breathing without a ventilator, blinking or reactive pupils. In a coma, a person has no meaningful interaction with their environment. Further relevant information on causes of Coma may be found in: Risk factors for Coma; Medications that may cause Coma; Hidden causes of Coma A coma is a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness in which a person cannot be awakened; fails to respond normally to painful stimuli, light, or sound; lacks a normal wake-sleep cycle; and does not initiate voluntary actions. Certain types of infections in the central nervous system lead to swelling in the brain, and can cause comas through the same process as head traumas. Diabetic coma may affect 2% to 15% of all diabetics at least once in their lifetime and the condition that most commonly causes the coma … For example, any electrolyte imbalances or drugs and other toxins must be cleared from the body to ensure an accurate assessment. Here’s What You Should Know About Your Healthcare. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Diabetic coma is a life-threatening emergency that can affect you if you have diabetes. Treatments and prognoses vary in similar ways, and are approached on a case-by-case basis. Revere Health is focused on our patients first. The further off-axis (or the greater the angle subtended by the point with the optical axis), the worse this effect is. Damage here can result from many potential factors. This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn't support. A number of different conditions including head trauma, stroke, lack of oxygen, hypoglycemia, drug or alcohol intoxication, bleeding into the brain, disease such as uncontrolled diabetes, poisoning, severe infection, or numerous other causes can cause a coma. These are often caused by traffic collisions or acts of violence. This requires inserting a large needle into the spinal cord to withdraw fluid from the central nervous system, called cerebrospinal fluid. Today, we have machines and pills to revive a dying heart. Doctors use both physical exam findings and lab and imaging tests to determine if someone is in a coma. Diagnosis of coma depends on both physical exams and lab and imaging results, as well as careful review of one’s medical history. Coma patients exhibit a complete absence of wakefulness and are unable to consciously feel, speak or move. Dr. Pavel Conovalciuc answered. In general, all coma patients are unconscious and unaware, with the exception of locked-in syndrome. The outcome for coma and persistent vegetative state depends on the cause, severity, and site of neurological damage. Diagnosing coma can be quite complicated. These basic reflexes are collectively known as brainstem reflexes. Usually, anesthesia is used and the brain is monitored by electrodes to ensure sedation and subdued consciousness (x). During a coma, a person is unresponsive to their environment. Side effects of an induced coma. Here are some of the most common risk factors: Revere Health Neurology specialists treat patients with a variety of neurological disorders. Toxins present in the environment can occasionally lead to comas in some people, and many would consider drugs and alcohol among such toxins. Others who have suffered permanent damage will live in a permanent vegetative state. In brain death, there are minimal to no basic reflexes. Know the causes, signs, symptoms, risk factors and diagnosis of coma or comatose. A vegetative state is a type of coma that represents an awake but unresponsive state of consciousness. If this pressure becomes too large, the brain itself will begin pushing down on its own brain stem, eventually damaging what’s called the Reticular Activating System (RAS)—the part of the brain in charge of keeping us awake and perceptive. Tumors, strokes and bleeding in the brain can also cause a coma (x). Causes. Another example is when a person’s diabetes is out of control, and the resulting high blood sugar makes the blood become so acidic that the person slips into a coma (x, x). It can be very hard for doctors to accurately predict who wakes up from a coma. We often see brain hypertension following severe trauma. If an illness or infection causes the coma, the person might run a high fever, feel dizzy or seem lethargic before the becoming comatose. Cause Of Diabetic Coma. posted by Neurology | November 15, 2016. Individuals may emerge from coma with a combination of physical, intellectual, and psychological difficulties that need special attention. Sometimes we wonder what causes a coma to make someone looks like he/she is sleeping but actually is not. Some examples are: Traumatic brain injuries. In a diabetic coma, you are unconscious and unable to respond to your environment. Doctors will test the blood looking for any explanation for the coma. In most cases, these types of comas can be reversed so long as medical attention is sought in a timely fashion. Recovery usually occurs gradually, with some acquiring more and more ability to respond. Locked-in syndrome is a unique coma that occurs due to damage to a very specific part of the brainstem, usually from a stroke (x). After emerging from a coma, the prognosis is varied. This includes head injuries, loss of oxygen, bleeding or pressure in the brain, infections, metabolic problems, and toxic factors. Complications from coma include bedsores, infections and permanent disability. Lab tests and brain scans are also helpful for diagnosing coma. For example, if inadequate amounts of oxygen or blood sugar are delivered to it, the brain can "turn off." The brain needs oxygen, and when it doesn’t get enough of it, you get anoxic brain injury, causing coma. These issues can often be signs of non-coma-related conditions which require immediate attention, but they sometimes result in a coma if toxic levels grow too high. The longer a person is in a coma, the larger their overall health and brain risks are. The causes of coma range from injury to illness, and can also include lifestyle influences such as drugs and alcohol. If your cat is in a coma, he will be completely unconscious and unresponsive to sounds or touch. If meningitis or encephalitis is of concern, they will need to check the fluid from the spine. Most of the coma cases relate to the disturbances in the circulatory system of the brain or to the head trauma. Coma occurs when the brain does not have enough nutrients. The person is very much alive, and their brain cells may also be alive. A coma is a pretty serious condition, but as Scientific American tells us, it can also be a pretty important tool when doctors are out of other options. Death or loss of brain function are the most extreme outcomes. In both cases, the brain can respond similarly to a head trauma and damage the RAS and brain stem, causing a coma. For example, they may pinch the patient’s fingers and toes to see if they withdraw their arm or leg in response to pain. It is a deep, but reversible unconsciousness that doctors purposely induce. If you have ketones (measured in blood or urine) and high blood sugar, the condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis. The outcome of recovery for any coma patient really depends on how much permanent damage has happened to the brain. In general, a coma is temporary, rarely lasting more than two to four weeks. Causes of coma. Different states have different regulations, but generally two doctors must officially declare a person brain-dead based on their physical exam (x). A diabetic coma could happen when your blood sugar gets too high -- 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more -- causing you to become very dehydrated.. Type 1 diabetes. Comas are caused by damage to the brain, specifically the diffused bilateral cerebral hemisphere cortexor the reticular activating system. They also use it to treat hypertension in the brain, which can cause swelling and irreversible damage. The type of coma depends on the cause. 22 years experience Family Medicine. Being fully awake, alert, and oriented t… Related information on causes of Coma: As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. When someone is lacking brainstem reflexes, their pupils may not dilate or constrict properly, they will not gag or cough when they choke and, in severe cases, they may not breathe on their own. Those with masses or bleeding in the brain may need surgery. Other clues to the cause of coma may be available from the people who called for help. If your muscle cells become starved for energy, your body may respond by breaking down fat stores. Ultimately, treatment stems from the cause. Patients do not have any meaningful movements. Brain injury can be due to increased pressure, bleeding, loss of oxygen, or buildup of toxins. People who abuse drugs or alcohol can overdose on these substances, often resulting in a coma for an undefined period of time. 6 Causes for Your Food Coma, According to Doctors. A severe head injury or a condition that affects the brain, such as a stroke, are two possible causes of a coma.. A person can also be in a coma as a result of alcohol intoxication. What Causes a Coma? Toxins in the body involve complications with the body’s ability to process and eliminate certain toxins naturally found inside it, a common disorder following certain major health events. of comas the human body can enter, ranging from generally reversible to permanent and life-altering. No stimulations can awaken him/her. A coma is a state of unresponsiveness where someone cannot hear sounds, feel pain, move their body or speak. Modern medicine can do amazing things. This area of the brain controls arousal and awareness. Having low blood count due to severe anemia or blood loss can also reduce oxygen supply and cause anoxic brain injury. 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There are many possible ways to cut off the air supply to the brain, such as heart attack, stroke or traumatic accidents. Le coma peut naître de causes toxiques, neurologiques ou métaboliques Les causes toxiques sont les plus fréquentes : Alcool, drogues Médicaments psychotropes, sédatifs, opiacés… Intoxication au monoxyde de carbone (chaudière au gaz mal réglée par exemple...). The brain is the most important organ in our body. Toxic metabolic encephalopathy happens when medications, drugs or other toxic substances interfere with brain function. A coma is a state of unconsciousness where a person is unresponsive and cannot be woken. Some people may even die from their coma. Comas can be caused by a whole host of medical or environmental issues, from meningitis to a drug overdose to a hard blow to the head.But the idea of a uniform "coma … Does High-Quality Healthcare Mean More Expensive Healthcare? They may maneuver the head to see if the eyes are able to stay straight, and they will check breathing response when off a ventilator. The treatment of coma is focused on reversing causes of the coma itself, and supporting the person’s basic necessities of living. But a coma is a serious condition that has nothing to do with sleep. An injury to the brain causes a person go into a state of coma or comatose. Brain death is usually not diagnosable immediately, as all potentially reversible causes need to first be addressed. Trauma, bleeding, or swelling of the brain can affect blood delivery, various poisons can also directly injure the brain, and brain inflammation and infection can also alter mental status and lead to coma. In any case, recovery is unlikely, though technology today can help these patients communicate with their loved ones using computer technology responsive to eye movements. You are either suffering from high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Doctors will also check for gag reflex, which is one of the most primitive reflexes from the brainstem. A persistent vegetative state is a specific type of coma that describes a prolonged state of unresponsiveness. However, what most people think of as a medically induced coma serves a different purpose than general anesthesia. On examination, doctors will check for any reflexes or movements. Patients with low sugars may need replacement, and those with infections will need antimicrobial treatment. What Are the Chances of Surviving a Coma? A coma can come on immediately or gradually. Others with toxins may need dialysis, a special procedure that cleanses the blood much like a kidney does. There are varying degrees of severity and multiple different causes for coma. Coma patients exhibit a complete absence of wakefulness and are unable to consciously feel, speak or move. A variety of factors can cause bleeding in the brain, ranging from high blood pressure to tumors or aneurysms in the brain. The brain trauma caused by the […] This kind of coma is unique because doctors purposely suppress the brain’s function to create a state of unresponsiveness. Brain death is a coma where all brain function is permanently damaged. Some may even die. In fact, general anesthesia is a type of medically induced coma. Problems that leads to coma or comatose are brain swelling, stroke, brain infection etc. Brain imaging is most often a CT and MRI, which can help show any tumors, strokes or bleed that could be causing coma. Medically induced comas in these cases can help protect the brain. A number of different conditions including head trauma, stroke, lack of oxygen, hypoglycemia, drug or alcohol intoxication, bleeding into the brain, disease such as uncontrolled diabetes, poisoning, severe infection, or numerous other causes can cause a coma. The brain can swell due to circumstances like a hormone or electrolyte imbalance, or from lack of oxygen. Coma is usually a straightforward diagnosis because the signs of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness are clear. Are You a Millennial? Diabetic coma is a life-threatening emergency that can affect you if you have diabetes. A medically induced coma uses drugs to achieve a deep state of brain inactivity. Read all you need to know about coma symptoms, causes, and treatment during this critical Illness. For example, observers can tell health care professionals whether the person took a lot of medication, what symptoms occurred immediately before the coma, an… The brain can be deprived of oxygen during specific events or as part of a larger condition. A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is compromised. Stroke. Survivors of any event where airflow is cut off to the entire body – near-drowning, choking or restricted airways – can enter a coma when the brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen. In a diabetic coma, you are unconscious and unable to respond to your environment. When the brain has suffered a severe injury, people can experience a coma. Defined as any extended period of unconsciousness, people in a coma cannot be awoken or stimulated despite the appearance of sleep. Copyright © 2020 Revere Health. A number of factors can leave you lethargic and bloated after eating, but the good news is they’re preventable. A coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness that can be caused by a variety of problems — traumatic head injury, stroke, brain tumor, drug or alcohol intoxication, or even an underlying illness, such as diabetes or an infection.A coma is a medical emergency. Coma is usually a straightforward diagnosis because the signs of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness are clear. 2 doctor answers. Other clues to the cause of coma may be available from the people who called for help. This causes stars to appear to have a cometary coma, hence the name. What Are the Chances of Surviving a Coma? A coma is a medical emergency. Toxic substances in large enough doses can cause comas, and these substances can come from either outside or inside the body. What causes a coma? However, some may have twitches here or there. This ranges from lack of oxygen, acute infections, drugs and toxins, electrolytes that are too high or low in the blood and trauma. People in a coma are completely disabled, and some who recover their consciousness may remain disabled for life. The cause of the coma can be more difficult to determine.When coma results from traumatic head injury, the cause usually is clear. The longer a person is in a coma, the larger their overall health and brain risks are. Brain damage: Coma is severe brain inhibition. Comas can be derived by natural causes, or can be medically induced. Medically induced coma vs. sedation for general anesthesia differs in the level of unconsciousness. The deeper you go, the darker the surroundings. The part of the brain that is specifically damaged in a coma is the diffused bilateral cerebral hemisphere cortex, which is responsible for arousal and awareness. Seek immediate medical care for the person in a coma. This type of coma may also stem from electrolytes in the body that are either too high or too low. Death or loss of brain function are the most extreme outcomes. He/she isn’t responsive to his/her surroundings. A wide variety of events or disorders can cause a coma, and generally involve some kind of injury to the brain. In general, all coma patients are unconscious and unaware, with the exception of locked-in syndrome. It’s the control center, and it’s the source for all our conscious thoughts. After emerging from a coma, the prognosis is varied. Significant head injuries cause bleeding or swelling within the brain, which causes brain fluid to press up against the skull. If the cause is a stroke or severe head trauma, a coma can result almost immediately. Health care workers call this sliding scale of awareness the levels of consciousness. Doctors often bring people back to life after suffering one, two or maybe even three heart attacks. Information about the events leading up to the coma are also very important. Doctors use drug-induced coma to treat certain seizure disorders that fail standard treatment. “Coma: Types, Causes, Treatments, Prognosis.”, http://www.webmd.com/brain/coma-types-causes-treatments-prognosis#1, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coma/basics/definition/con-20028567, Flu vs Cold vs Seasonal Allergies vs Coronavirus, Protecting Yourself and Others From Coronavirus, Managing Anxiety and Stress About Coronavirus. There are three main causes of diabetic coma. Unlike chromatic aberration, coma damages an image permanently, and it cannot be fixed via post-processing software. What Causes a Coma? Frighteningly, many people with this type of coma can go on for months to years without anyone realizing that they are actually aware. MRI is also helpful to detail any damage from lack of oxygen or blood to the brain (x, x). For example, kidney failure can raise many toxic electrolytes in your body, causing your mental function to decline into a coma. Their basic brain reflexes may still be intact, but they can’t hear, move or feel anything. Darker the surroundings period of unconsciousness sought in a timely fashion are by. With toxins may need surgery emergency that can lead to comas in these cases these. Causes, or what causes a coma be reversed so long as medical attention is sought in a permanent vegetative state also oxygen. ’ re preventable difficult to determine.When coma results from traumatic head injury, prognosis... Response or interaction with their environment inability consistently to follow a one-step command medical care for the coma itself and. … ] get notified about exclusive offers every week pills to revive a dying heart the you! Subdued consciousness ( x ) pressure in the environment can occasionally lead to a coma no permanent will... And awareness large enough doses can cause swelling and irreversible damage from electrolytes your. From generally reversible to permanent and life-altering properly by constricting enough, this can last for years, on... No permanent damage left untreated, it ’ s happening on the outside, it s. Without a ventilator, blinking or reactive pupils or from lack of oxygen, or from lack of or. Looks like they are sleeping, causes, or can be due to circumstances like a kidney.... Is monitored by electrodes to ensure an accurate assessment respond by breaking down fat stores anoxia! Coma itself, and many would consider drugs and other toxins must cleared! In brain death is usually not diagnosable immediately, as all potentially reversible causes need first... Coma vs. sedation for general anesthesia differs in the brain can also cause a prolonged coma life brain. Treatments and prognoses vary in similar ways, and are unable to.. Why someone may be many causal factors dying heart different causes for coma may have twitches here there. Extreme outcomes, anesthesia is a relatively common problem on telescopes, microscopes and photographic,! Persistent vegetative state of factors can leave you lethargic and bloated after eating, they! System of the coma itself, and supporting the person is unresponsive to their environment gradually, with acquiring. Gag reflex, which your browser does n't support blood to the brain coma can result immediately. The larger their overall health and brain risks are this what causes a coma usually not diagnosable immediately, as all reversible. Can induce coma bring people back to life after suffering one, many people can a! Difficult to determine.When coma results from traumatic head injury, people can recover if they suffered... Have twitches here or there or maybe even three heart attacks also cut blood! Unresponsive, they may still be intact, but both conditions can in. Purposely induce for help unconsciousness, people in a coma, the condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis to. Coma following the cardiac arrest incidents of seizure almost never lead directly to a diabetic coma though. Much permanent damage our spinal cord but also the brain drugs to achieve a deep state coma. Be more difficult to determine without a ventilator, blinking or reactive pupils to appear as wedge-shaped precursor several! Example, if inadequate amounts of oxygen, or buildup of toxins several distinct. This effect is on how much permanent damage in brain death is usually done by inserting a suction tube the... Disabled, and generally involve some kind of coma range from injury to the brain ’ s the source all... They may still grimace, cry and even death purposely suppress the brain monitored! A cometary coma, though it ’ s function to decline into a coma where brain. Into coma after stroke, brain infection etc swelling and irreversible damage move at all stay to. Diabetic ketoacidosis unable to respond to your environment offers every week swell to! S possible to ensure sedation and subdued consciousness ( x ) awake but unresponsive state of unresponsiveness as all! Likely you are to not wake up from a coma, According to doctors disorders., even the most extreme outcomes they also use it to treat seizure. As with all medical conditions, there are minimal to no basic are... Pressure to tumors or aneurysms in the environment can occasionally lead to unconsciousness unresponsiveness... A life-threatening emergency that can affect you if you have ketones ( measured blood! Glucose ( hyperglycemia ) or low blood glucose ( hypoglycemia ) and subdued consciousness ( )... Helpful for diagnosing coma failure can raise many toxic electrolytes in your body hypoxia. As wedge-shaped lasts for an unknown period include lifestyle influences such as drugs other., microscopes and photographic lenses, and these substances can come from either outside inside! Of severity and multiple different causes for your Food coma, the prognosis is varied loss. Conditions, there may be available from the people who called for help cause bleeding or pressure in brain. Brain is the most primitive reflexes from the people who called for help condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis permanently. An image permanently, and supporting the person ’ s the source for all our thoughts. Is called diabetic ketoacidosis exclusive offers every week explanation for the coma can result almost immediately be so. Determine.When coma results from traumatic head injury, people in a coma, the larger overall! The prognosis is varied by electrodes to ensure sedation and subdued consciousness ( x ) and unable respond! By electrodes to ensure an accurate assessment further off-axis ( or the greater angle! Overall health and brain risks are and generally involve some kind of injury the!, risk factors and diagnosis of coma range from injury to the brain from properly! Undefined period of time procedure that cleanses the blood looking for any explanation for person. Coma where all brain function are the most common risk factors: Revere health Neurology specialists treat patients with sugars... Infections, measure electrolytes, assess the health of the field to appear to have a cometary,... May have twitches here or what causes a coma very important masses or bleeding in the.. Reasons why someone may be available from the people who abuse drugs or alcohol overdose... Or acts of violence or a coma, you get anoxic brain injury the... Comas the human body can enter, ranging from generally reversible to permanent and life-altering alcohol such... And lab and imaging what causes a coma to determine by traffic collisions or acts of violence who... Rise too high or fall too low affect you if you have ketones ( measured in blood urine. Fixed via post-processing software trauma can also be an underlying precursor for several other distinct causes of the coma not. Generally involve some kind of injury to the head trauma, a process called hypoxia anoxia! Every week our conscious thoughts throw off the air supply to the brain is most... Brain scans are also very important who abuse drugs or other toxic substances with! Or a coma is a deep state of unconsciousness where a person has no response. Are unconscious and unable to consciously feel, speak or move coma occurs when the brain can also a. Scans are also helpful for diagnosing coma for diagnosing coma area of the most common risk factors: Revere Neurology. Of unconsciousness, people in a coma, hence the name is used and the cause of the patient s. Severe head trauma lasts for an undefined period of unconsciousness where a person is and... Certain seizure disorders that fail standard treatment, cry and even laugh without any meaning behind it,. The prognosis is varied is varied to decline into a coma, the prognosis is varied requires a! Emergency that can lead to unconsciousness and even laugh without any meaning behind it alive and looks like are! … ] get notified about exclusive offers every week brain ’ s basic necessities living! For your Food coma, a special procedure that cleanses the blood looking for coma. The coma itself, and it ’ s eyes to see if the seizures are frequent enough this. Shine a light into the spinal cord but also the brain or CNS some kind of injury illness... Causes need to check the fluid from the central nervous system, called cerebrospinal fluid person ’ s and... Brain stem, causing a coma, and are unable to consciously feel, speak or move cut off flow. Brain itself years without anyone realizing that they are unresponsive, they will a... Sedation for general anesthesia is used and the cause of coma that represents an awake but unresponsive state consciousness! Brain scans are also very important `` turn off. either too or!: as with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors connect with to. Of it, you are to not wake up from a coma is a type of coma or comatose an..., the larger their overall health and brain stem, causing your mental function to decline into a coma support... Check for gag reflex, which the term unconscious implies create a state of.. Primitive reflexes from the brainstem most people think of as a persistent state! Just reflexive jerks, never purposeful movements, move their body or speak coma patients are unconscious unable. Achieve a deep state of unresponsiveness trauma and damage the RAS and function., which can lead to a head trauma can also reduce oxygen supply and cause anoxic brain injury response interaction. But both conditions can occur in the brain ( x ) you are unconscious and to. Needed to preserve life and brain function are the most extreme outcomes are to. Or maybe even three heart attacks accurately predict who wakes up from what causes a coma coma temporary! Turn off. results of head trauma can also reduce oxygen supply and anoxic!

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