Coma terms

Question 1

Vegetative state

Answer 1

1. Coma usually lasts less than 4 weeks

2. No signs of consciousness s/p eyes open = vegetative state

Question 2

Minimally responsive

Answer 2

1. no longer comatose or vegetative
2. remain severely disabled
3. responses are inconsistent but indicative of meaningful interaction with environment.

Question 3

How might you deliver a coma stimulation sensory program?

Answer 3

Present deep pressure stimulation unilaterally to the face, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, chest, back, leg, foot,
and toes. The muscle should be firmly grasped at its base between the thumb and forefinger. While
squeezing the muscle firmly, it should be “rolled” back and forth through the finger tips three to four times.
This procedure should be repeated sequentially working from the facial musculature to the toes. The
examiner should assure that there are no internal lines, local injuries (e.g., fractures, contusions, decubiti) or
systemic complications (e.g., heterotopic ossification) before administering deep pressure.

Question 4

When is the Glasglow Coma scale used for and what does it measure?

Answer 4

1. Used in ED and acute care
2. Assess level of consciousness
3. rates severity of injury
4. Predicts outcome

Question 5

Hypoxia

Answer 5

lack of H20

Question 6

Coma

Answer 6

Absence of definitive sleep/wake cycles on EEG and loss of capacity for environmental interaction.
Medically induced coma: to keep inner cranial pressure below 25mm to allow healing.

Question 7

Coma criteria

Answer 7

1. eyes do not open
2. cannot follow commands
3. does not mouth or utter words
4. Lack of intentional movement
5. cannot sustain visual pursuit