A coma, sometimes also called persistent vegetative state, is a profound or deep state of unconsciousness. Persistent vegetative state is not brain-death. An individual in a state of coma is alive but unable to move or respond to his or her environment. Coma may occur as a complication of an underlying illness, or as a result of injuries, such as head trauma. . Individuals in such a state have lost their thinking abilities and awareness of their surroundings, but retain non-cognitive function and normal sleep patterns. Even though those in a persistent vegetative state lose their higher brain functions, other key functions such as breathing and circulation remain relatively intact. Spontaneous movements may occur, and the eyes may open in response to external stimuli. Individuals may even occasionally grimace, cry, or laugh. Although individuals in a persistent vegetative state may appear somewhat normal, they do not speak and they are unable to respond to commands.
Once an individual is out of immediate danger, the medical care team focuses on preventing infections and maintaining a healthy
physical state. This will often include preventing pneumonia and bedsores and providing balanced nutrition. Physical therapy
may also be used to prevent contractures (permanent muscular contractions) and deformities of the bones, joints, and muscles
that would limit recovery for those who emerge from coma.
The outcome for coma and persistent vegetative state depends on the cause, severity, and site of neurological damage. Individuals
may emerge from coma with a combination of physical, intellectual, and psychological difficulties that need special attention.
Recovery usually occurs gradually, with some acquiring more and more ability to respond. Some individuals never progress beyond
very basic responses, but many recover full awareness. Individuals recovering from coma require close medical supervision.
A coma rarely lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks. Some patients may regain a degree of awareness after persistent vegetative state.
Others may remain in that state for years or even decades. The most common cause of death for someone in a persistent vegetative
state is infection, such as pneumonia.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) conduct research related to coma in their laboratories at the NIH and also support additional research through grants
to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to prevent and treat
coma.
Coma Recovery Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Association, Inc 8300 Republic Airport Suite 106 Farmingdale, NY 11735 inquiry@comarecovery.org http://comarecovery.org Tel: 631-756-1826 Fax: 631-756-1827 |
Brain Trauma Foundation 523 East 72nd Street 8th Floor New York, NY 10021 http://www.braintrauma.org Tel: 212-772-0608 Fax: 212-772-0357 |
Brain Injury Association of America, Inc. 1608 Spring Hill Rd Suite 110 Vienna, VA 22182 braininjuryinfo@biausa.org http://www.biausa.org Tel: 703-761-0750 800-444-6443 Fax: 703-761-0755 |
Family Caregiver Alliance/
National Center on Caregiving 180 Montgomery Street Suite 1100 San Francisco, CA 94104 info@caregiver.org http://www.caregiver.org Tel: 415-434-3388 800-445-8106 Fax: 415-434-3508 |
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) 4200 Forbes Boulevard Suite 202 Lanham, MD 20706-4829 naricinfo@heitechservices.com http://www.naric.com Tel: 301-459-5900/301-459-5984 (TTY) 800-346-2742 Fax: 301-562-2401 |
National Stroke Association 9707 East Easter Lane Suite B Centennial, CO 80112-3747 info@stroke.org http://www.stroke.org Tel: 303-649-9299 800-STROKES (787-6537) Fax: 303-649-1328 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated May 01, 2009