Coma - Traumatic Brain Injury

A coma is defined as a deep state of unconsciousness in which a person is aliv,e but not able to move or respond to the environment. It may result from an illness, or a traumatic head injury.

The coma outcome depends greatly on the type, extent and location of the injury. Except in the worst cases, it rarely lasts for more than two to four weeks.

A persistent vegetative state may sometimes follow a coma. People in this state have no thinking abilities or awareness of their surroundings. They do, however, retain non-cognitive function and normal sleep patterns. Although those in a persistent vegetative state lose these higher brain functions, others, such as breathing and circulation, remain somewhat intact. Some spontaneous movements may occur and the eyes may open in response to external stimuli. Individuals in a persistent vegetative state may appear somewhat normal, but they do not speak or respond to verbal commands.

Treatment for someone in a coma or persistent vegetative state, once they are out of immediate danger, is focused on the prevention of pneumonia and bedsores and making sure the patient has balanced nutrition. Physical therapy may also be used in some cases.

Recovery of these patients depends largely on the original cause, and on the severity of any brain damage. Some patients will make a complete recovery; still others, in particular those who have suffered a severe head trauma, may have some physical, intellectual or psychological impairment that will require further treatment.

Doctors may sometimes medically induce a coma to assist in controlling brain swelling and to allow the patient to recover from other injuries.

The longest coma on record is 37 years, 111 days, according to Guinness World Records.

See also:

Glasgow Coma Scale
Rancho Los Amigos
Traumatic Brain Injury Home

NINDS Coma and Persistent Vegetative State Information Page