A coma is a state of unconsciousness where a person is unresponsive and cannot be woken.
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).
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.
In a coma, a patient is alive and there is some brain activity.
Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time varies and comas can be temporary or permanent.
Patients in a coma might have brain stem responses, spontaneous breathing and/or non-purposeful motor responses.
Coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness that can be caused by a variety of problems traumatic head injury, stroke, brain tumor, drug or alcohol intoxication, or even an underlying illness, such as diabetes or an infection.
Coma is a medical emergency. Swift action is needed to preserve life and brain function.
People in a coma are completely unresponsive.
They do not move, do not react to light or sound and cannot feel pain.
Their eyes are closed.
The brain responds to extreme trauma by effectively 'shutting down'.