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Coma After Brain Injury: What Should Know

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
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Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

Advances in neurosurgery and other fields of medicine are incredible. Coma is an understudied and unpredictable phenomenon. Coma is the body’s unique protective response to unconsciousness. Head injuries are a group of brain injuries with varying symptoms. The proportion of injuries to the central nervous system in the structure of trauma is 40%. Although most head trauma passes without such severe consequences, the risk of coma persists.

The consequences of penetrating cranial trauma in the brain and its membrane are complex pathological processes. Head trauma can be closed or open. The closed type is brain trauma and sometimes closed skull bone fracture. It is a closed cranial trauma and soft tissue damage to the skull without bone fracture. And the intracranial cavity remains shut. 

Want to know more? What are the chances of waking up from a coma? How long will you live a whole and happy life again? Read the answers to these and other questions below. We have an informative article for you!

Signs of Coming out of a Coma

When a person comes out of a coma, it is both a welcome and exciting event. But how do you know when a person is waking up from a coma?

Many signs may state that a patient is coming out of a coma. Some people may have eye and muscle movements. These are often described as voluntary or reflexive. That is, the body is giving signals of life. It means that the patient’s body struggles to escape the coma state.

As the patient regains consciousness, they can make requests. For example, he may turn his head in response to a specific sound. Or the patient may squeeze someone’s hand when asked to do so. 

Many medical professionals also note that coma patients usually begin to make sounds. They mumble words or sentences. Although they may not make sense initially, this is still a positive signal. 

Besides, some experts have found that if an unconscious patient had to move his fingers on one side of his body and then on the other, these motor reactions would state that he was coming to his senses.

What Causes a Coma After Brain Injury?

A brain injury is a severe medical condition. It can lead to a coma because of its many complications. How long it takes to come out of a coma is unknown!

The most common cause of coma after a brain injury is swelling or bleeding in the brain. A consequence of this leads to increased pressure on the skull. Some vital functions are then impaired, including:

  • Consciousness;
  • Breathing;
  • Thermoregulation;
  • Brain function. 

patient in coma

Other causes include:

  • Head trauma resulting in loss of oxygen to the brain;
  • Viruses affect the nervous system. 

Both of these cases lead to coma. In rare cases, coma may occur due to problems outside the head. Yes, it can happen, too. For example, you will have a coma due to lack of oxygen due to other organ failure or cardiac arrest. 

People who have suffered a head injury should seek medical attention immediately. This way, you reduce the possible damage. And you can prevent further complications such as a coma.

How to Measure the Severity of a Coma After Brain Injury

Determining the severity of a coma after a brain injury is a complex process. Doctors have difficulties because of the wide range of possible outcomes. And it is also due to the varying degrees of these potential outcomes. 

Because so many factors related to each individual, an accurate measurement of symptoms and level of consciousness is critical. It is the only way a physician can determine the best treatment plan. The patient will have a better chance of waking up from a coma.

Medical professionals usually do this with a variety of scales. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) remains the most popular. These have been specifically developed over time and tested for accuracy.

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is often used to determine changes in:

  • Consciousness
  • Communication
  • Attention
  • Language
  • Reaction

Doctors then perform CT scans and MRIs. This help detects any changes in the tissues or areas of the brain. If the changes occur due to trauma or lack of oxygen, they will be visible in the study. 

After taking these steps, doctors can assess the prognosis of the person’s condition. They can then develop an appropriate recovery plan.

How Does a Coma Feel?

It is impossible to tell precisely how a person in a coma feels. The fact is that when a patient is in a coma, he is unconscious. It means that he cannot describe how he feels. 

Medical professionals report that people in comas often experience periods of restlessness. It may be indicative of internal sensations. For example, the patient may experience pain or discomfort. Some people may exhibit reflex movements or respond to touch or sound. 

doctor talks to patient in coma

Although their consciousness disrupts, they are unable to communicate with their environment. It suggests the presence of internal sensations that people can perceive in some way. 

Studies of the experiences of those who have presented signs of coming out of comas show varying descriptions, from a sense of safety and security to deep anxiety from a sense of entrapment. 

Although we cannot know how a coma feels, it is clear that a diverse range of potential sensations is possible.

Bottom Line

A coma is a severe medical condition. You need a doctor to determine the severity of a coma. You cannot decide for yourself whether or not you will be in a coma.

Lone Star Neurology Clinic always keeps its doors open for its patients! We have only the best treatments and the best doctors. We have experience dealing with comas after brain injuries, and we can help you. Contact us today, and we will ensure you get the care you need.

FAQ 

  • How long will it take to come out of a coma?

It is impossible to predict how long it will take for a patient to come out of a coma. Recovery varies from person to person and may depend on the cause or severity of the condition.

  • What are the chances of waking up from a coma?

The chances of waking up from a coma depend on the cause. But, medical professionals usually report that around 25-40% of patients who enter a coma will wake up and fully recover.

  • How long does it take to recover from a coma?

Recovery from a coma can take several months or even years. The recovery process depends on the severity of the condition and its cause, but it is possible. With medical care and support, patients can often recover. And they can return to their daily lives. It’s important to remember that waking up from a coma is a positive sign. But the road to recovery can be long and difficult. With patience and dedication, recovery is possible. 

  • Can a person in a coma hear you?

It is impossible to determine whether a person in a coma can hear you. But, research suggests that people in comas may be able to perceive sound, light, and touch sensations. It is important to speak calmly and positively around someone in a coma to create an environment of safety and comfort. 

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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  1. 24/02/2024

    I was found knocked out and remained in a coma for eighty hours with a brain bleed my blood alcohol level was 3.47 when I reached the hospital.I woke up on a gerney on the door steps of the morgue nurse said they were monitoring my brain to see if they might have to remove part of my skull a couple minutes later I was put in a wheelchair rolled to the front of the hospital and told a taxi was on its way Its been twenty years without out any follow up it’s left me short tempered impatient and today after cutting my hair short the back of my head has a dark patch the size of my hand what should I do.

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