Coma is a word for which everyone has different definitions, and only some understand it. A coma can be challenging to comprehend, mainly because the term is sometimes used in jest to refer to persons who are sleeping deeply or not paying attention. However, a coma is a dangerous condition unrelated to sleep. This article gives you the correct information about coma, its different stages, and how long it lasts.

Coma: Here’s what you need to know

A coma is a state of extended unconsciousness that can have many different origins, including but not limited to severe brain injury, stroke, brain tumour, drug or alcohol intoxication, or a chronic disease like diabetes or an infection.

To put it simply, a coma requires immediate medical attention. Urgent intervention is required to prevent permanent brain damage and save lives. Critical care doctors will typically recommend a battery of diagnostic tests, including a brain scan and blood work, to establish the underlying cause when treating a patient who has fallen into a coma.