Comatose Awareness

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer points out that cases like those of Terri Shiavo and Robert Kenneth Durksen put the moral quandaries regarding comatose victims to the forefront of the public's mind. The writer notes that only by fully understanding the condition, and answering questions such as whether or not there is awareness in comatose patients, can the public make informed decisions, when sensitive situations occur. This paper provides an overview of the comatose condition, followed by a review of literature regarding awareness in comatose patients. The writer then presents conclusions drawn from this information, in hopes of shedding further light on such a delicate topic.

Outline:
Introduction
Comatose Overview
Literature Review Regarding Comas and Coma Awareness
Analysis of Findings
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The medical term comatose is derived from the Greek word koma, meaning a deep sleep. A comatose patient is in a deep state of unconsciousness that is characterized by the loss of reactivity to external stimuli and absence of spontaneous nervous activity, and cannot be awakened. Coma victims have usually experienced injury or disease of the cerebrum."
"The origin of the injury affects the different patterns of coma. Losses of consciousness for short durations may be caused by concussions, whereas the lack of oxygen, or anoxia, may lead to a coma that lasts for several weeks or is fatal. Sudden loss of consciousness in some patients may be caused by a stroke, which is a rupture or blockage of the vessels that supply blood to the brain."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bothwick, C. & Crossley, R. "Permanent vegetative state: Usefulness and limits of prognostic definition." NeuroRehabilitation 19 (4) 2004: pp. 381-389.
• Davis, A. & Gimenez, A. "Cognitive-behavioral recovery in comatose patients following auditory sensory stimulation." Journal of Neuroscience Nursing 35 (4) Aug 2003: p. 202.
• Fackelmann, K. "The conscious mind: Karen Ann Quinlan case yields surprising scientific data." Science News 146 (1) 2 July 1994: pp. 10-11.
• Godlovitch, G., Mitchell, I., & Doig, C. "Discontinuing life support in comatose patients: An example from Canadian case law." Canadian Medical Association Journal 172 (9) 26 Apr 2005: pp. 1172-1173.
• Goldberg, C. "Scans hint at awareness in comatose patient." Boston Globe 11 Sept 2006: p. C1.

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