A person in a coma is in a deep state of unconsciousness. Such a patient is alive but cannot move or respond to the environment.

A coma can be caused by:

• Trauma
• Organic lesions
• Toxemia
• Infections
• Metabolic problems

A coma usually lasts no more than 2 to 4 weeks. However, in rare cases, a person remains comatose for years. In such cases, death is usually caused by an infection like pneumonia.

The outlook for a comatose patient varies on the cause and severity of neurological damage. A patient may come out of a coma with a host of physical, intellectual, and psychological difficulties that need attention. Although some patients never recover beyond basic responses, others recover fully.

Treatment of coma consists mostly of preventing infections (such as pneumonia) and bed sores. Physical therapy can help exercise muscles.