There are many things that can cause a coma

When a person is in a coma, they’re unresponsive to their environment. While it appears that they’re doing nothing more than sleeping, a coma is actually a state of unconsciousness.

Many things can cause a coma; however, they all have something in common: injury to the brain. Here is a short list of some problems that can lead to a coma:

• Head trauma: For example, if you’re part of a motor vehicle accident, it could result in swelling in the brain. If the damage is severe, a comatose state is possible.
• Bleeding in the brain: Bleeding can lead to compression and swelling of the brain, both of which can cause a coma.
• Stroke: Since a stroke eliminates blood flow to a particular part of the brain, a coma can occur.
• Infection: Some types of infections that impact the central nervous system, such as meningitis, have the potential to cause a coma.
• Toxins: If too many toxins build up in the body, such as carbon dioxide or ammonia, it can disrupt brain function.

Treatment for a coma is based largely on the cause. For example, someone suffering from trauma after a car accident won’t receive the same treatment as someone dealing with a serious infection.

If a loved one suffers a traumatic brain injury that results in a coma, don’t hesitate to ensure that they’re receiving the best possible medical treatment. While doing so, learn more about the cause of the coma. Depending on the circumstances, this may be the time for you to learn more about the steps you can take to protect their legal rights.