Coma

Coma is a state of profound unresponsiveness with the absence of wakefulness and awareness, resulting from diffuse cortical or brainstem dysfunction. Etiologies include traumatic brain injury, metabolic disturbances, hypoxia, infection, and intoxication. Pathophysiology involves disruption of the reticular activating system or widespread cortical dysfunction. Diagnosis is clinical, utilizing standardized coma scales (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale), neuroimaging, and laboratory testing. Management is supportive and etiology-specific, including airway protection, hemodynamic stabilization, and treatment of underlying causes; prognosis depends on cause, duration, and severity of injury.