If you have a loved one that is currently in a coma or is at an increased risk of falling into one, you may wonder what a coma feels like. Understanding what a patient may experience while they are in a coma can help you determine ways to possibly care for them as best as you can.
Of course, there are different levels of severity, and the more severe the damage to the brain, the more serious the coma. Not every coma patient reports feeling or remembering anything, but some studies suggest there are certain things loved ones can do to increase the chance of recovery.
Below is a review of what a coma feels like — including insights into how healthcare professionals use the Glasgow Coma Scale —, whether or not your loved one can hear you and what you can do for your loved one.
The lower the score, the less conscious the patient is. A score of 15 represents a fully awake and conscious person, whereas a score between 3 and 8 likely suggests the patient is in a coma. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses the patient in three different categories: eye opening response, verbal response, and motor response.
A score of three means they react only to stimuli, and a score of two on the eye opening response chart indicates they only respond to pain.
A score of one indicates no response. The verbal response has a scoring system from five oriented to one no response. A coma is similar to a dream-like state because the individual is alive but not conscious. Doctors normally order a series of blood tests and a brain scan to try to determine what's causing the coma so that proper treatment can begin.
A coma seldom lasts longer than several weeks. People who are unconscious for a longer time might transition to a persistent vegetative state or brain death. Although many people gradually recover from a coma, others enter a vegetative state or die. Some people who recover from a coma end up with major or minor disabilities. Complications can develop during a coma, including pressure sores, urinary tract infections, blood clots in the legs and other problems.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. If they become too low, this is hypoglycemia. If hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia continue for too long, a coma can result. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen : If the supply of oxygen to the brain is reduced or cut off, for example, during a heart attack , stroke, or near drowning, a coma may result.
Infections : Severe inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, or tissues surrounding the brain can result in coma. Examples include encephalitis or meningitis.
Toxins and drug overdose : Exposure to carbon monoxide can result in brain damage and coma, as can some drug overdoses. Traumatic brain injuries : Road traffic accidents, sports injuries, and violent attacks that involve a blow to the head can cause coma. A medical and recent history, blood tests, physical tests, and imaging scans can help find out the cause of a coma, and this helps decide which treatment to apply.
Tests may involve squirting very cold or warm water into the ear canals. These tests will trigger varying reflexive eye movements. The type of response varies according to the cause of the coma. This can check for any infection or disorder of the CNS. These will help determine whether there is any brain injury or damage, and where. An electroencephalography EEG will measure electrical activity within the brain. It gives patients a score, according to verbal responses, physical responses, and how easily they can open their eyes.
Eyes : Scores range from 1 to 4, where 1 is when a person does not open their eyes, 2 is when they open their eyes in response to pain, 3 is when they open them in response to voice, and 4 is when they open them spontaneously.
Verbal : Scores range from 1 to 5, where 1 means the person makes no sound, 2 means they mumble but cannot be understood, 3 is when they utter inappropriate words, 4 is when they speak but are confused, and 5 is normal communication. A person who scores 1 makes no movement, 2 is when they straighten a limb in response to pain, 3 is when they react in an unusual way to pain, 4 is when they move away from pain, and 5 is when they can pinpoint where the pain is.
A score of 6 means the person can obey commands. A score of 8 or less overall indicates a coma. If the score is from 9 to 12, the condition is moderate. If the score is 13 or more, the impairment to consciousness is minor. Health professionals will start by ensuring the immediate survival of the patient and securing their breathing and circulation to maximize the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. A doctor may administer glucose or antibiotics even before the results of blood tests are ready, in case the patient is in diabetic shock or has a brain infection.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the coma, for example, kidney failure, liver disease, diabetes, poisoning, and so on. If the cause of the coma can be successfully treated, the person may eventually awaken with no permanent damage.
They are likely to be confused at first, but then they usually remember what happened before the coma, and be able to continue their life. Typically, some rehabilitation therapy is necessary. If brain damage has occurred, long-term impairment may result.
If the person awakens, they may need to relearn basic skills, and they may not remember what happened. However, with support, such as physical and occupational therapy, many people can enjoy a good quality of life.
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