Coma (patient information)

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How do I know if I have coma and what are the symptoms of coma?

Coma is not a disease but a symptom.

• Onset time: When a patient suffers a hemorrhage stroke or severe head trauma, coma may start suddenly. While for a person with alcohol abuse or some kind of drugs, the progress of unconsciousness may be slowly.
• Antecedent symptoms before coma, depending on the underlying disease: If the coma is caused by alcohol abuse or some kind of drugs, patients may experienced mildly confusion, drowsy or personality change in the beginning. If the underlying cause is a brain infection, patients may show signs including headache, fever, or dizziness before the actual coma develops. In some cases, coma may happen so quickly that patients or their families don't have time to notice.
• Signs of coma

• Loss of consciousness
• Some spontaneously movements, including shaking, tremors, and jerking movements.
• Eyes' abnormal movement
• If the breathing muscles are affected, the patient may show irregular breathing.
• No response to external stimuli

Who is at risk for coma?

• A hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke
• A severe head injury
• Seizures
• Brain infections
• Hypoxia for a long time
• Metabolic abnormalities, such as diabetic hyperosmolar coma, hypoglycemia
• Toxins, including poisons, alcohol and other drugs (barbiturates, sedatives, amphetamines, cocaine)
• Liver failure or kidney failure

Where to find medical care for coma?

Directions to Hospitals Treating coma

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

The prognosis of coma depends on:

• The underlying cause
• The severity
• The site of neurological damage

Copyleft Sources

http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/coma.html

http://www.neurologychannel.com/coma/index.shtml

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/coma/coma.htm

http://www.headinjury.com/coma.htm