Coma is an altered state of consciousness.
- It can be induced voluntarily by sedative drugs to allow certain organs to rest and pain to be managed: this is a form of general anesthesia.
- It can also be induced by certain pathologies, or by a head trauma accident.
Coma impairs the patient’s ability to protect the airways (to the lungs) and the digestive tract (to the stomach), which is why it is necessary to intubate and place comatose patients on a ventilator. A comatose patient requires extra monitoring. We don’t know what a comatose patient hears, but it seems that the presence and voices of loved ones can in some cases be recognised, even if they will have little or no memory of them later on. Caregivers explain their actions to the patient and warn their patients before any physical contact. Talking is beneficial for the patient, and you should not hesitate to talk to them.
