What is the difference between pvs and a coma

Even though those in a persistent vegetative state lose their higher brain functions, other key functions such as breathing and circulation remain relatively intact. Spontaneous movements may occur, and the eyes may open in response to external stimuli.

They may even occasionally grimace, cry, or laugh. Although individuals in a persistent vegetative state may appear somewhat normal, they do not speak and they are unable to respond to commands. Once an individual is out of immediate danger, the medical care team focuses on preventing infections and maintaining a healthy physical state.

This will often include preventing pneumonia and bedsores and providing balanced nutrition. Physical therapy may also be used to prevent contractures permanent muscular contractions and deformities of the bones, joints, and muscles that would limit recovery for those who emerge from coma.

The outcome for coma and persistent vegetative state depends on the cause, severity, and site of neurological damage. Individuals may emerge from coma with a combination of physical, intellectual, and psychological difficulties that need special attention. Recovery usually occurs gradually, with some acquiring more and more ability to respond. Some individuals never progress beyond very basic responses, but many recover full awareness.

Individuals recovering from coma require close medical supervision. A coma rarely lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks. Some patients may regain a degree of awareness after persistent vegetative state.

Others may remain in that state for years or even decades. The most common cause of death for someone in a persistent vegetative state is infection, such as pneumonia.

The NINDS supports and conducts research on neurological conditions such as coma and persistent vegetative state. This research is aimed at finding ways to prevent, treat, and cure these conditions. Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Brain Injury Association of America, Inc. National Institutes of Health. Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

My mom has 4 open heart surgeries in 3 days due to complications in her 1st surgery it took 12 hours and her heart stopped 10 mins. Due to lack of oxygen to brain she falls in vegetative state. My mom was super healthy and aged 64years. Our life turned black and white.

I believe in Miracles and what ever God will is. I found my mother on July 31st. She was struggling to breath. Once we arrived to the hospital they did multiple test.

A MRI revealed that she had multiple strokes throughout all four lobes of her brain. I agreed to a trach and peg. She was transferred to acute care that specializes in stroke patients. This has been extremely hard. I pray she wakes up. I agree it is very hard my mother is in the same state and I just want her to wake up.

It hurts to see her like this. I hope you are doing okay. Has your mother waken up yet? My sister has suffered TBI with bleeding to the brain. I would suggest coming together as a family and doing it your self. A person in profound coma or suffering from a PVS is unable to experience hunger, thirst or pain. Even if a pain stimulus occurs, there can be no recognition of its presence by the person unless the higher regions of the brain, the brain cortex, can receive and interpret the stimulus.

In a person in deep coma or a PVS, the cortex does not function. Therefore, this person would not suffer due to lack of artificial tube feedings. Hospices do care for persons with these conditions, although a patient like Terri Schiavo is unusual for a hospice.

When a person in a coma or a PVS is referred to a hospice, generally the person has decided a priori e. Or the family or other designated caregivers are in agreement that the person would not want these treatments. Or the person is noticeably deteriorating in spite of artificial nutrition and hydration.

Death usually occurs well within six months of admission to the hospice. A hospice will provide similar care to a person in a coma or a PVS that would be provided to a conscious patient who cannot swallow or move well.

When a hospice cares for a conscious person who is unable to swallow, the hospice will take care to prevent symptoms of thirst by moistening the mouth frequently. The hospice will attempt to prevent skin breakdown by turning the person frequently and moisturizing and massaging the skin carefully. If any signs of discomfort occur, medications are administered to maintain comfort. These include medicines to treat pain, shortness of breath, lung congestion, fever, or any other problematic symptoms.

We know the approaches used by hospice work to keep the patient comfortable because patients who are still alert and able to communicate have told us these approaches keep them comfortable. The same treatments and approaches used in a conscious patient to maintain comfort are used for the person who is in a coma or a PVS.

Making decisions about starting or stopping artificial nutrition and hydration, or using or foregoing other medical interventions for a person in a coma or a PVS is never easy. Each person deserves to have the information necessary to make an informed choice for him or herself, or for a loved one.

Being informed involves knowing the immediate and long term effects of the disease on the person. It is equally important to understand what the available treatments can and cannot do. More reasoned and consistent treatment decisions can then be made, which lessens the emotional burdens associated with the decision-making.

About the author: Dr. Cheryl Arenelladoes health care consulting for programs focused on improving end-of-life care. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is a former trustee of the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and served for many years as a Medical Director for a large Medicare certified hospice, where she provided medical oversight, direct patient care and administrative program support.

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