What happens if you re in a coma

However, the brain may still be able to pick up on sounds from loved ones. In fact, some studies suggest talking and touching a loved one while they are in a coma may help them recover. With that said, everyone who goes into a coma has a unique experience. Some have reported remembering certain events that happened while they were in the coma, while many others have reported not remembering experiencing much of anything while unconscious.

Many who fall into a coma regain their consciousness over time. The ability to recover depends on the cause and severity of the brain damage the individual has suffered. Some move out of the coma and recover with little-to-no long-term effects, whereas others who move out of the coma may transition into a vegetative state. A vegetative state is similar in that the individual will show no signs of awareness, despite being awake.

The patient may also go into a minimally conscious state, where they show little awareness that may come and go. Those who do regain full consciousness may feel frustration and confusion as they come out of the coma. There are often long-term effects, although the severity of the effects varies depending on the nature and cause of the coma. It is important to keep in mind that recovery from a coma mostly depends on the severity of the brain damage and the cause.

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First-time homebuyers choosing Tacony. How to save thousands buying a home. The person's eyes will be closed and they'll appear to be unresponsive to their environment.

They won't normally respond to sound or pain, or be able to communicate or move voluntarily, and basic reflexes, such as coughing and swallowing, will be greatly reduced.

They may be able to breathe on their own, although some people require a machine to help them breathe. Over time, the person may start to gradually regain consciousness and become more aware. Some people will wake up after a few weeks, while others may go into a vegetative or minimally conscious state. Read more about disorders of consciousness. Doctors assess a person's level of consciousness using a tool called the Glasgow Coma Scale on Headway's website.

This level is monitored constantly for signs of improvement or deterioration. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses 3 things:. Most people in a coma will have a total score of 8 or less. A lower score means someone may have experienced more severe brain damage and could be less likely to recover.

In the short term, a person in a coma will normally be looked after in an intensive care unit ICU. Treatment involves ensuring their condition is stable and body functions, such as breathing and blood pressure, are supported while the underlying cause is treated.

In the longer term, healthcare staff will give supportive treatment on a hospital ward. This can involve providing nutrition, trying to prevent infections, moving the person regularly so they don't develop bedsores and gently exercising their joints to stop them becoming tight.