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How Long Does A Patient Stay In An Induced Coma?

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Posted on Fri, 2 May 2014
Question: How long should a patient stay in an induced coma that has had status epilepticus seizures? When do you try and wean them off of the sedative to see if they will respond and are still in there?He is on continuous EEG. What should I look for in the graphs to let me know he does no have complete brain damage and would come out in a vegetative state? Is coughing when they suction him a good sign? What about him turning his head on his own? If I clap or talk to him in loud voice the EEG graph changes like he hears me? What if he comes out of a seizure on his own with no push of Adavan? Are these positive signs that he has a chance?
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Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Many drugs for seizures influence the EEG waves Detailed Answer: How long should a patient stay in an induced coma that has had status epilepticus seizures? hi, it depends on the type of drug used to sedate. we generally look till that time the drug works and monitor while the drug action was coming down. if there seems a seizural activity or EEG changes, we give another dose and repeat the same till he has no seizures, even after the action of drug is finished. EEG graphs are complicated and are variable depending on brains electrical activity. Many drugs for seizures influence the waves, and hence should be viewed with caution. In general, they show beta waves in pts who are on drugs. coughing is a good sign, indicates that his brain stem is active. turning his head spontaneously is a good sign too, indicates recovery. Wave forms change with sleeping patterns. slow alfa waves will translate into rapid beta waves on eye opening and indicate recovering brain. Very slow wave pattern in comatosed patients is not a good sign. Hope i was of some help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (1 hour later)
Thank you for your the information. They discussed performing a Tracheotomy in the next few days. Is this something that is necessary?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (4 hours later)
Brief Answer: yes. Detailed Answer: yes, One can not be managed with tubes through one's mouth going to lungs. long tubes create lot of problems later like infection and difficult airway management. Hence a short cut i.e ctuuting thru trachea directly and entering the lungs os often resorted to. By this tracheostomy, we can keep oxygen support into the lungs even for months. if someone is on endotracheal tube for more tha 4-5 days, tracheostomy should be done. Hope this will help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Vaddadi Suresh

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 963 Questions

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How Long Does A Patient Stay In An Induced Coma?

Brief Answer: Many drugs for seizures influence the EEG waves Detailed Answer: How long should a patient stay in an induced coma that has had status epilepticus seizures? hi, it depends on the type of drug used to sedate. we generally look till that time the drug works and monitor while the drug action was coming down. if there seems a seizural activity or EEG changes, we give another dose and repeat the same till he has no seizures, even after the action of drug is finished. EEG graphs are complicated and are variable depending on brains electrical activity. Many drugs for seizures influence the waves, and hence should be viewed with caution. In general, they show beta waves in pts who are on drugs. coughing is a good sign, indicates that his brain stem is active. turning his head spontaneously is a good sign too, indicates recovery. Wave forms change with sleeping patterns. slow alfa waves will translate into rapid beta waves on eye opening and indicate recovering brain. Very slow wave pattern in comatosed patients is not a good sign. Hope i was of some help.