Synonym(s): Persistent Vegetative State
What is Coma?
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.
Is there any treatment?
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.
What is the prognosis?
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.
What research is being done?
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.
Organizations
Coma Recovery Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Association, Inc
8300 Republic Airport, Suite 106
Farmingdale, NY 11735
inquiry@comarecovery.org
comarecovery.org
Tel: 631.756.1826
Fax: 631.756.1827
Brain Trauma Foundation
523 East 72nd Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10021
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
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
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
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
www.stroke.org
Tel: 303.649.9299 800.STROKES (787.6537)
Fax: 303.649.1328
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 5/1/2009...#6007
