Coma how does it happen

During a coma, the individual is unconscious, meaning they are unable to respond to any sounds. However, the brain may still be able to pick up on sounds from loved ones.

In fact, some studies suggest talking and touching a loved one while they are in a coma may help them recover. With that said, everyone who goes into a coma has a unique experience. Some have reported remembering certain events that happened while they were in the coma, while many others have reported not remembering experiencing much of anything while unconscious. Many who fall into a coma regain their consciousness over time.

The ability to recover depends on the cause and severity of the brain damage the individual has suffered. Some move out of the coma and recover with little-to-no long-term effects, whereas others who move out of the coma may transition into a vegetative state.

A vegetative state is similar in that the individual will show no signs of awareness, despite being awake. The patient may also go into a minimally conscious state, where they show little awareness that may come and go. Those who do regain full consciousness may feel frustration and confusion as they come out of the coma. There are often long-term effects, although the severity of the effects varies depending on the nature and cause of the coma.

This area of the brain controls arousal and awareness. Damage here can result from many potential factors. This includes head injuries, loss of oxygen, bleeding or pressure in the brain, infections, metabolic problems, and toxic factors. Some specific examples include:. A coma is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Signs of a coma can include:. Healthcare providers must rely on information from loved ones or witnesses. They also look for any physical signs that may give information about what caused the coma.

The healthcare provider will ask friends and family about any events or symptoms that led up to the coma.

Drugs of concern include prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, as well as recreational drugs. Tests may be used in order to create images of the brain brain scans , to locate areas of brain injury, and to look for signs of brain hemorrhage, tumors, stroke or seizure activity.

These tests include:. The first priority of treatment is to preserve brain life and function. Antibiotics may be given right away, in case there is an infection in the brain. Medications for treating the underlying condition will be administered if the cause of the coma is known, as in the case of a drug overdose. Surgery may be required to reduce swelling in the brain.

A team of medical professionals will work with the comatose patient once they are stabilized. The team will also make sure to provide the patient with balanced nutrition during their coma. A coma usually does not last for more than four weeks. Some people may remain in a coma for much longer, however. Long-term outcomes depend on what caused the coma and the site and extent of damage to the brain. The prognosis may be good for people whose comas are caused by a drug overdose.

The severity of the brain damage dictates the long-term outcome. Some people emerge from a coma with physical, intellectual, or psychological problems.

It can result from injury to the brain, such as a severe head injury or stroke. A coma can also be caused by severe alcohol poisoning or a brain infection encephalitis. People with diabetes could fall into a coma if their blood glucose levels suddenly became very low hypoglycaemia or very high hyperglycaemia. You may find the following information useful if you have a friend or loved one who is in a coma.

Someone who is in a coma is unconscious and has minimal brain activity. They're alive but can't be woken up and show no signs of awareness. The person's eyes will be closed and they'll appear to be unresponsive to their environment. They won't normally respond to sound or pain, or be able to communicate or move voluntarily, and basic reflexes, such as coughing and swallowing, will be greatly reduced.

They may be able to breathe on their own, although some people require a machine to help them breathe. Over time, the person may start to gradually regain consciousness and become more aware. Some people will wake up after a few weeks, while others may go into a vegetative or minimally conscious state. Read more about disorders of consciousness. Doctors assess a person's level of consciousness using a tool called the Glasgow Coma Scale on Headway's website. This level is monitored constantly for signs of improvement or deterioration.

The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses 3 things:.