Comatose state vs vegitative state

[Alex Turcios]

Hi,

One of the necessary areas for vegetative state is “Sufficient preservation of autonomic functions to permit survival with adequate medical care”. Does this mean that those that are in a coma are in ventilator? does that mean those in vegetative state are not in ventilator?

[Chrissy Durrough Lugge]

Hi Alex,
Not necessarily. Breathing is regulated by the brainstem; as long as the brainstem is intact, the person will likely be able to breathe independently. Many patients in a coma are dependent on mechanical ventilation – but being in a state of unarousable unconsciousness (coma) does not necessarily mean the person cannot breathe independently. People in vegetative states (or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) can often breathe on their own.

[Alex Turcios]

Thank you!

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