Acute Coma

Neuroethics across the Disorders of Consciousness Care Continuum

“…Beyond traumatic etiologies (including blast and blunt trauma), 72 severe acute brain injury and concomitant DoC may occur as a result of hypoxic–ischemic or anoxic injury (including limitation in oxygenated cerebral blood flow in the context of cardiac arrest, drug overdose, asphyxiation, near-drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, shock, or acute respiratory distress); neurovascular conditions (including ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage affecting brain networks subserving wakefulness and awareness); toxic-metabolic causes (including profound disturbances in electrolyte, acid–base, or endocrine balance); sudden changes in intracranial pressure (such as in the context of hydrocephalus or intracranial hypotension); neuroinfectious etiologies (particularly infections impacting the brainstem or thalami); severe COVID-19; and severe autoimmune encephalitis or leukoencephalopathy. 73 74 75 76 Public education is necessary to ensure appropriate steps are taken when encountering someone with a head injury, acute neurological deficits, or DoC. This might include general knowledge of signs and symptoms that warrant activation of emergency medical services (EMS).…”