Treatment

A coma is a medical emergency. Doctors will first check the affected person's airway and help maintain breathing and circulation. Doctors might give breathing assistance, intravenous medications and other supportive care.

Treatment varies, depending on the cause of the coma. A procedure or medications to relieve pressure on the brain due to brain swelling might be needed. Emergency personnel might administer glucose or antibiotics intravenously, even before blood test results return, in case of diabetic shock or an infection affecting the brain.

If the coma is the result of drug overdose, doctors will give medications to treat the condition. If the coma is due to seizures, doctors will use medications to control seizures. Other treatments might focus on medications or therapies to address an underlying disease, such as diabetes or liver disease.

Sometimes the cause of a coma can be completely reversed, and the affected person will regain normal function. Recovery usually occurs gradually. A person with severe brain damage might have permanent disabilities or never regain consciousness.