Coma
Original Editor - Lucinda hampton
Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Coma reflects brain failure that may occur from a process originating in the central nervous system or may reflect a systemic metabolic process. Causes of coma range from easily correctable metabolic abnormalities to catastrophic life-threatening mass lesions.
- Coma is defined as a state of deep unconsciousness, an eyes-closed unresponsive state.
- The person is alive and looks like they are sleeping, but unlike in a deep sleep, the person cannot be awakened by any stimulation, including pain.
- Coma is usually a transitory state though it may last for an indefinite or even prolonged period.[1][2]
Causes[edit | edit source]
Causes are many and include:
Brain injuries caused by an accident or violence. Additionally people can be put into a medically induced coma with medicines. This helps their brain to keep functioning after an injury and saves the patient from feeling extreme pain[3].
Structural brain diseases such as subdural or epidural traumatic hematomas, spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages, venous thrombosis, tumors, acute hydrocephalus, raised intracranial pressure, anoxic brain injury, or brainstem strokes may all cause altered mental status or coma.
Common toxic or metabolic include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, excessive alcohol intake, and medication overdose or illicit drug use. Of all the nonstructural causes of coma, hypoglycemia and systemic infections likely account for the majority of patients presenting with coma
Less common metabolic causes include hepatic encephalopathy, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypercalcemia, endocrine abnormalities.
Primary central nervous system infections such as meningitis or encephalitis (relatively uncommon)
Seizure
Sometimes people are put into a medically induced coma with medicines. This helps their brain to keep functioning after an injury and saves the patient from feeling extreme pain.
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Huff JS, Tadi P. Coma.[Updated 8 July 2021]. StatPearls [Internet]; StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island, FL, USA. 2021. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430722/ (accessed 19.5.2022)
- ↑ Web md Coma: Types, Causes, Treatments, Prognosis Available: https://www.webmd.com/brain/coma-types-causes-treatments-prognosis(accessed 19.5.2022)
- ↑ health direct Coma Available: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coma (accessed 19.5.2022)
