Medicine
Volume 36, Issue 11 , Pages 601-608, November 2008

Coma and brain stem death

David Bates MA FRCP is Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. He qualified at Cambridge University and Middlesex Hospital, London, and trained in neurology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. His research interests include coma and multiple sclerosis. Competing interests: none declared

Abstract 

Coma is a medical emergency; after resuscitation the cause must be defined and a prognosis provided. The situation is monitored using the Glasgow Coma Scale and appropriate biochemical, neurophysiological and imaging tests are performed. In this article an algorithm for the examination and assessment of the patient in coma is provided. Common syndromes are identified and the process of investigation is explained. Those factors which help determine prognosis are described and the terminal conditions of brain stem death and persistent vegetative state are defined.

Keywords: brain stem death, clinical signs, coma, prognosis, vegetative state

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1357-3039(08)00242-9

doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2008.08.006

Medicine
Volume 36, Issue 11 , Pages 601-608, November 2008

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution