Coma

Coma

Coma is a long lasting stage of unconsciousness that leads to many problems including traumatic head injury, stroke, brain tumor, drug or alcohol intoxication and some medical conditions like diabetes or infection.

Coma is regarded as a medical emergency. Immediate treatment is necessary to maintain life and brain functions.

Symptoms

Patients of coma presents as :

• Closed eyes
• Depressed brain reflexes such as pupil not responding to light
• No reflex movements
• No response to painful stimuli
• Irregular breathing

Causes

Causes include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Tumors
• Diabetes
• Lack of oxygen
• Infections
• Seizures
• Toxins
• Drugs and alcohol

Complications

Complications include:

• Pressure sores
• Bladder infections
• Blood clots in legs

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history from relatives and family as well as complete general physical examination of patient.

Other tests include:

• Blood test
• Carbon monoxide poisoning test
• Liver function test
• Drug abuse test
• Lumber puncture for signs of infections
• CT scan of brain
• MRI
• Electrocardiogram

Treatment

Treatment options include:

• Maintain breathing problems
• Blood transfusion
• Supportive care
• Administration of glucose or antibiotics intravenously
• Procedure that relieve pressure from brain or medications.