re: Brother in a coma *Updated 2/22*

I was in a bad accident 20+ years ago and was in a coma for 10 days. I suffered damage to my left frontal and temporal lobes. I recovered well and went on to get a PhD. I now work as a Neuropsychologist. Your brother will see someone like me when he gets to rehab, so I can tell you more about the post-acute phase of his recovery than what he's presently going through.

While the swelling on his brain and possible bleeds are of course concerning, the fact that they haven't had to perform a craniotomy or evacuation of any kind is encouraging. Hopefully the bleeds won't expand and the swelling will go down on its own. Swelling is normal as the brain, like any body tissue, responds to irritation by swelling.

You can ask the doctors about your brother's initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. GCS scores range from 3-15, with lower scores meaning a more severe coma. Scores lower than 8 are considered the severe range, but that just reflects the depth of coma at the time the score was taken. Eventual outcomes will vary quite a bit. For reference, my GCS score was under 8. I've seen 3's make a good recovery.

I can perhaps offer more information once your brother regains consciousness. The doctors at the hospital will likely tell you the worst case scenario regarding potential outcomes. You should expect memory and attention issues initially, as this occurs in most head injuries. With the bleeds on the left side of his brain, there may also be language or right side motor problems, depending on the exact locations of the bleeds. There will be spontaneous recovery over the first few months up to several years. OT, PT, and Speech Therapy will help with any problems he may have.

Best wishes to your brother and your family.

I just said a prayer for you, your brother and your family.

quote:

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What's it like to be in a coma?

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I can't speak for all coma's, but I have no recall of anything. Apparently I did have some level of awareness of things around me as I've been told my heart rate would change when my girlfriend at the time entered the room.


The relevance of that story for the OP, your brother may know you're there and your visits do make a difference.

Added a link in OP to the FB page we created for my brother to follow his progress for those interested

Psych Tiger, if you see this. I have a few questions I wanted to run by you. Can you email me at kevinivy1@gmail.com

You're the man, psych.

Op, your brother, and your family are in my family's prayers. Good luck, bro.

Ygm