Natural Coma versus Artificial Coma
Coma is a state of unconsciousness where a person is unable to respond to external stimuli or initiate voluntary movements. It is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt and appropriate intervention. Coma can be classified into two types: natural coma and artificial coma. The former occurs due to underlying medical conditions, while the latter is induced by healthcare professionals for medical purposes. This essay will examine the difference between natural and artificial coma, exploring the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Natural Coma
Natural coma is caused by various medical conditions that affect the brain, such as head injury, stroke, brain tumor, and metabolic imbalances. In a natural coma, the brain’s electrical activity is disrupted, which results in an unconscious state. The degree of coma can vary from person to person, ranging from a light state of unconsciousness to a deep state of coma.
Diagnosis of Natural Coma
The diagnosis of natural coma is often based on the patient’s clinical symptoms and the results of various diagnostic tests. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a widely used tool that measures the level of consciousness in a person with a head injury (Teasdale & Jennett, 1974). This scale assesses eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with a score ranging from 3 to 15. A score of 3 indicates the deepest state of coma, while a score of 15 indicates the fullest level of consciousness.
Treatment of Natural Coma
The treatment of natural coma depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In some cases, the underlying condition may resolve on its own with appropriate medical treatment. In other cases, more aggressive interventions, such as surgery or specialized care, may be required to treat the underlying condition and improve the patient’s chances of recovery.
Artificial Coma
Artificial coma, also known as medically induced coma, is a state of unconsciousness that is intentionally induced by healthcare professionals for medical purposes. This type of coma is used to protect the brain during medical procedures, such as surgery, or to provide time for the brain to heal from injury or illness. Artificial coma is typically induced by administration of sedative medications or anesthetics, which suppress brain activity.
Indications for Artificial Coma
Artificial coma is used in a variety of medical conditions, including head injury, brain swelling, and severe seizures. It is also used as a last resort in some cases of refractory brain injury, where conventional treatments have failed to improve the patient’s condition.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Artificial Coma
The diagnosis of artificial coma is made by the healthcare team based on the patient’s clinical symptoms and the results of diagnostic tests. Monitoring of the patient during an artificial coma is essential to ensure that the brain is protected and to assess the patient’s progress. This is typically done by measuring the patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, as well as the level of brain activity using EEG (electroencephalogram).
Treatment and Outcome of Artificial Coma
The treatment of artificial coma involves monitoring the patient’s vital signs and brain activity and adjusting the medications or anesthetics as needed. Once the underlying condition has improved, the patient can be gradually awakened from the artificial coma. The outcome of artificial coma depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In some cases, the patient may make a full recovery, while in others, the patient may experience permanent neurological damage or complications.
