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persistent vegetative state
Also known as a coma. A neurological condition in which the brain is so damaged that the patient is unaware of the environment and other people because deeply unconscious. Unlike patients who are brain dead, patients in a persistent vegetative state are still alive and experience normal body functions, such as breathing. They may open their eyes or make a face but cannot speak or respond verbally. Physicians treat patients in a persistent vegetative state by preventing infection and providing nutrition. Even physical or occupational therapy may be used to keep bones, joints, and muscles working. Patients can emerge from a persistent vegetative state but are likely to have physical and intellectual problems, which they can usually recover from with therapy, but some never recover. The state commonly lasts two to four weeks but can remain for years or decades.
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Last modified at 9/8/2009 9:12 AM by Committee
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