OnlineMedEd: Neurology - Coma

Question 1

What happens to the cerebral functions, brainstem functions, heart, and motor abilities during a coma?

Answer 1

The cerebral functions get decreased but everything else persists.

Question 2

How can you assess cerebral function?

Answer 2

With an EEG

Question 3

Which is worse, a coma or a persistent vegetative state?

Answer 3

PVS

Coma implies decreased cerebral function, while PVS implies no cerebral function.

Question 4

True or false: someone in a coma or a persistent vegetative state may still move.

Answer 4

True!

It’s not uncommon to see eye movements or blinking.

Question 5

What happens to the cerebral functions, brainstem functions, heart, and motor abilities during brain death?

Answer 5

Everything stops except the heart.

Question 6

What is the cold water test?

Answer 6

Pouring cold water into the ear should elicit a movement toward that ear followed by fast-beating nystagmus in the opposite direction.

COWS is the mnemonic: Cold Opposite; Warm Same.