HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Recovery Possible After When In Comma?

My sister in-law had a pulmonary embolism on March 3rd., which doctor stated caused lack of oxygen for approximately 20 - 30 minutes, she then suffered a mild heart attack. She was in an induced coma for 72 hours, but when it was reversed, there was no change in the EEG. The coma stage is a 4. She is no longer on a ventilator, but has not come out of the coma for just over 4 weeks. In your opinion, will she recover? Will she be functional? She was moved from an ICU at the local hospital and into an extended acute care facility. Her family believes she yawns & is trying to focus her eyes. I m wondering if this is merely a natural reflex. Please advise at your earliest convenience. Thank you!
Fri, 24 Oct 2014
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Unfortunately she is unlikely to recover or be functional. If she had lack of oxygen for 20 to 30 minutes, then she suffered severe brain damage. The lack of oxygen was enough to cause a mild heart attack, which means the brain damage was much worse. She most likely will be in what is called a persistent vegetative state. In such cases, the part of the brain controlling automatic functions such as breathing is still working, but the higher levels of brain where thinking, talking, personality etc are located are not working. Since some lower brain function is left, she will have some natural reflexes such as the yawning and focusing eyes. People in this state may actually appear to be tracking objects with their eyes, and may make sounds or laugh. This can be very distressing to family as it seems the person is coming out of it, but it's just a reflex. I am so sorry she and your family have suffered this tragedy.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Electroencephalography


Loading Online Doctors....
Is Recovery Possible After When In Comma?

Unfortunately she is unlikely to recover or be functional. If she had lack of oxygen for 20 to 30 minutes, then she suffered severe brain damage. The lack of oxygen was enough to cause a mild heart attack, which means the brain damage was much worse. She most likely will be in what is called a persistent vegetative state. In such cases, the part of the brain controlling automatic functions such as breathing is still working, but the higher levels of brain where thinking, talking, personality etc are located are not working. Since some lower brain function is left, she will have some natural reflexes such as the yawning and focusing eyes. People in this state may actually appear to be tracking objects with their eyes, and may make sounds or laugh. This can be very distressing to family as it seems the person is coming out of it, but it s just a reflex. I am so sorry she and your family have suffered this tragedy.