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Coma

Coma

Summary

A coma is a deep state of unconsciousness. An individual in a 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 brain injury.

A coma rarely lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks. The outcome for coma depends on the cause, severity, and site of the damage. People may come out of a coma with physical, intellectual, and psychological problems. Some people may remain in a coma for years or even decades. For those people, the most common cause of death is infection, such as pneumonia.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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Encyclopedia

Clinical Trials

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  • Coma National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  • Stupor and Coma Merck & Co., Inc.

Specifics

  • Diabetic Coma Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Patient Handouts

  • EEG Medical Encyclopedia

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