In this Article

• What is a "coma"?
• What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
• What are the causes of a coma?
• Trauma
• Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
• Epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhages
• Swelling
• Lack of oxygen
• Hypoglycemic coma
• Poisons
• How is coma assessed?
• What tests are there for coma?
• What is the outcome and prognosis for a patient in a coma?
• Coma Glossary
• Coma Index

What tests are there for coma?

The strategy to decide which tests will help provide a diagnosis will depend upon the suspected cause. Many times, the cause involves many factors and the sequence of events will require serious detective work. Blood tests, electrocardiogram and CT scan of the head are most often obtained.

What is the outcome and prognosis for a patient in a coma?

Depending upon the diagnosis, the evaluation may be no more than assessing blood sugar, treating hypoglycemia, and having complete resolution of the situation. On the other hand, the cause of coma may be a catastrophic brain hemorrhage without hope for significant recovery. The outlook very much depends on the cause of the coma and the ability to correct the particular situation.

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