Preparing for an appointment

A coma is an emergency medical condition. If you are with a person who develops signs and symptoms of a coma, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

When you arrive at the hospital, emergency room staff will need as much information as possible from family and friends about what happened to the affected person before the coma. You might be asked the following questions while riding in the ambulance:

• Did the coma start abruptly or gradually?
• Were there problems with vision, dizziness or weakness beforehand?
• Does the affected person have a history of diabetes, seizures or strokes?
• Did you notice changes in the affected person's health in the time leading up to the coma, such as a fever or worsening headache?
• Did you notice changes in the affected person's ability to function in the time leading up to the coma, such as frequent falls or confusion?
• Did the affected person use prescription or nonprescription drugs?