Medical brain notes 7

  COMA – UNCONSCIOUS TATE Coma is derived from the Greek word meaning unconsciousness. Stupor, partial loss of consciousness, or long deep sleep, all these words signify varying state of the altered consciousness of the brain and body. In medical science, Coma is defined as a state in which the brain loses its alertness and the body stops responding to any inner or external stimuli and stops experiencing even the basic necessities. If this state continues for a long period of time or till death, the patient can be termed a Coma-patient. The fear psychosis that has been created by this word is not really justified as coma is not always so dangerous, but at the same time it is not to be taken too lightly either. Coma is a disease that can occur to anybody, anywhere. It is more common now, due to high blood pressure caused by the modern day lifestyle, habits and stress, diabetes, and road accidents etc. Causes : 1. Road Accidents:  Brain Trauma: Concussion, Contusion,Hemorrhage (...

  Causes : 1. Road Accidents:  Brain Trauma: Concussion, Contusion,Hemorrhage (Subdural, Epidural) 2. Diseases related to blood circulation of the brain : Thrombosis (clotting of blood in the vessels), Embolism, Hemorrhage, and Sub-arachnoid Hemorrhage. 3. Infections of the brain:  Falciparum malaria, Meningitis,TB, Viral-Encephalitis, AIDS, and other opportunistic diseases like fungal; parasite infection, syphilis etc. 4. Brain Tumor:  Cancerous tumors (primary or secondary)like Glioma or Metastasis, simple tumors like meningioma. In all these tumors, symptoms like headaches, vertigo, convulsions, vomiting, and paralysis of one or both the sides are seen. Differential diagnosis can be done on the basis of medical examination, CT scan and MRI. 5. Metabolic diseases:  Diabetic coma is the commonest inthese diseases. The tense lifestyle, mental stress, busy schedule etc. play a very important role in this. Oxygen deficiency, fluctuation in the blood sugar level, l...

  Treatment : 1.       The main points for the treatment of coma are as under: 2.       According to the seriousness of the condition, the patient should be immediately given intensive treatment in an LC.U. 3.       Immediate treatment is initiated to normalise important functions like respiration, blood circulation, blood pressure. 4.       If the cause is unknown, immediate glucose, vitamin B 1  and injection Nalorphine are administered as the first line of treatment: 5.       The cause/causes of Coma are determined quickly by blood tests and if need be E.E.G, CT scan, lumbar puncture etc. are conducted and accordingly its treatment is started as soon as possible. For instance if there is an infection in the brain, an antibiotic, or TB medicine can be administered, or if there is thrombosis, the drugs to prevent the blood from clotting are to be admini...