A coma is a term that refers to a state of deep consciousness from which a person cannot be aroused. It is not a medical condition in itself.
Signs and symptoms of coma include
- lack of response to pain or other stimuli,
- loss of speech,
- closed eyes, and
- irregular breathing.
The severity of these characteristic symptoms is the basis for a grading scale that doctors use to determine the extent or severity of a coma.
Causes of coma
A number of different conditions including head trauma, stroke, lack of oxygen, hypoglycemia, drug or alcohol intoxication, bleeding into the brain, disease such as uncontrolled diabetes, poisoning, severe infection, or numerous other causes can cause a coma.
Other coma symptoms and signs
- Closed Eyes
- Irregular Breathing
- Lack of Response to Pain or Other Stimuli
- Loss of Speech
Main Article on Coma Symptoms and Signs

SLIDESHOW
8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More See SlideshowFrom 
Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Skin Care & Conditions Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.