Coma
What you can do as a visitor
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
The experience of being in a coma differs from person to person. Some people feel they can remember events that happened around them while theywere in a coma, while others don't.
Some people have reported feeling enormous reassurance from the presence of a loved one when coming out of a coma.
When visiting a friend or loved one in a coma, you may find the advice below helpful:
- when you arrive, announce who you are
- talk to them about your day as you normally wouldbe aware that everything you say in front of them might be heard
- show them your love and support even just sitting and holding their hand or stroking their skin can bea great comfort
Research has also suggested thatstimulating the main senses touch, hearing, vision and smell could potentially helpa personrecover from a coma.
As well as talking to the person and holding their hand, you might want to try playing them their favourite music through headphones, putting flowers in their room or spraying a favourite perfume.
Articles for Coma
Caring for and monitoring a person in a coma
Doctors assess a person's level of consciousness using a tool called the Glasgow Coma Scale . This level is monitored constantly for signs of improvement or deterioration. The Glasgow Coma Scale asses
Further information and support
For further information and support from healthcare professionals and the families of people in a coma, you may find the followingwebsites helpful: Brain and Spine Foundation Headway : the brain
Introduction
Read about what a coma is, how someone in a coma will be looked after, what you can do to help, and what happens when someone recovers from a coma.
Recovering from a coma
A coma usually only lasts a few weeks, during which time the person may start to gradually wake up and gain consciousness, or progress into a different state of unconsciousness called a vegetative sta
What is a coma?
Someone who is in a coma is unconscious and has minimal brain activity. They're alive, butcan't be woken up and show no signs of being aware. The person's eyes will be closed andthey'llappear to be u
What you can do as a visitor
The experience of being in a coma differs from person to person. Some people feel they can remember events that happened around them while theywere in a coma, while others don't. Some people have rep