Coma

:For other meanings of the word "coma", especially in astronomy, see coma (disambiguation)

Related Topics:
Astronomy - Coma (disambiguation)

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In medicine, a coma (from the Greek koma, meaning deep sleep) is a profound state of unconsciousness, which may result from a variety of conditions including intoxication, metabolic abnormalities, central nervous system diseases, and hypoxia. Diffuse pathology are the most common cause of coma, accounting for about 60% of the cases.

Related Topics:
Medicine - Greek - Unconsciousness - Intoxication - Metabolic - Hypoxia

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It's important to remember that there are some other syndromes that can look like a coma, and are discarded in a differential diagnosis before diagnosing a coma. These are: locked-In syndrome, akinetic mutism or catatonic stupor.

Related Topics:
Differential diagnosis - Locked-In syndrome - Akinetic mutism - Catatonic stupor

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A temporary coma is sometimes deliberately induced (using drugs) to reduce swelling of the brain after injury.

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