Coma is a state of profound unconsciousness in which the patient is incapable of conscious behavior. 

• It can be said that coma is a state wherein there is very little brain activity, and  the patient hovers between life and death. 
• Coma implies dysfunction of the cerebral hemespheres, the upper brain stem, or both areas. 
• In other words, damage to the brain's "thinking, and life support centers" are thought to cause the coma. 
• Above all, you should know that there is very little that anyone can do concerning coma except to try to prevent, or limit secondary damage, try to keep the patient alive, comfortable, and pray for the best. 

• During the first stage of coma patients are incapable of voluntary activities such as eye opening, and speech. 
• In some cases primitive avoidance responses, such as gag reflex, response to noxious stimuli, and responce to pain might be absent. 
• In the second stage of coma, they open their eyes, but they don't do anything. 
• They don't follow commands. 
• They don't speak. 
• They don't interact with their loved ones, this is called a vegitative state. 

• However it should be noted that too much stimulation can be injurous to the patient. 
• Remember, at best this is a very low level of consciousness. 

      There is a big difference between coma and sleep. 

• For the most part coma is a big  mystery to medical science. 
• Therefore, specific whys and wherefores, of coma do not exist. 
• These days 90% of patients regain consciousness following coma.
• However, the term coma itself suggests severe brain damage. 
• Coma patient are unconscious because they are incapable of regaining consciousness. 

• For additional information and resources on coma go to the Coma page on the Head Injury Hotline web site,  http://www.headinjury.com/coma.htm .