Do some people remain in a coma forever?
The term coma is generally used to describe a person whose ability to respond to stimuli is significantly reduced. However the term can be misleading. In some cases, the significant alterations of consciousness that we see in severe brain injury persist. The term persistent vegetative state is used to describe individuals who do not recover from coma following their injuries. Little is known about what people hear or see while in a coma. We believe that people in a state of coma are aware of their environments, of people and of events. This understanding has dramatically changed how individuals in comas are treated. A prolonged state of diminished consciousness is called a minimally conscious state and requires an effective program that: • Provides gentle, but consistent stimulation. • Involves all of a person’s senses. • Enables an individual to interact with his or her environment.
