Artificial coma

The term artificial coma is similar to the actual coma in many aspects. Here, too, there is a high degree of unconsciousness that cannot be neutralized by external stimuli. The big difference, however, lies in its cause, since an artificial coma is caused by a specific medication and is reversible after stopping this medication.

One could also speak of a long-term anaesthesia. In medicine, artificial comas are mainly used in intensive care units, as patients in this state feel no pain. However, an artificial coma usually requires artificial respiration in order to maintain the body functions.

Consequences of a cerebral hemorrhage into the cerebellum

The most common cause of bleeding in the cerebellum is a high blood pressure, which is described in medicine as a hypertensive crisis. The acute symptoms and the later consequences depend mainly on the size and localization. In addition, the time until the start of therapy plays a major role in the prognosis.

If there is a minor cerebral hemorrhage, a coordination disorder, a so-called ataxia, may initially occur, which is usually accompanied by a nystagmus, the rapid back and forth movement of the eye. If these symptoms are recognized too late and therapy is initiated too late, the increased pressure can cause permanent damage to the cerebellar tissue and the motor disturbances can persist permanently. In most cases, however, a good prognosis can be assumed in the case of minor bleeding, so that those affected do not suffer any consequential damage. If the bleeding is larger, however, there is an acute danger to life in the case of a cerebellar hemorrhage, since the increased intracranial pressure can spread to the brain stem, which controls basic functions that are important for survival.

Consequences of a cerebral hemorrhage into the brain stem

A cerebral haemorrhage in the area of the brain stem represents an absolute neurological emergency that requires immediate therapy. The brain stem controls many basic functions of our body. These include breathing, regulation of our heart rate, pupil movements and much more.

In addition, motor fibers that connect the brain with the spinal cord run through here. If there is a bleeding, the pressure in this area increases and structures are pinched off, resulting in a loss of function. Since the brain stem controls such basic functions, such functional failures have such immensely life-threatening consequences.This can result in respiratory arrest, a deep coma, complete paralysis of the body and other symptoms, which can also persist permanently.

A brain stem hemorrhage, for example, is generally considered to have an extremely poor prognosis. Despite modern technology, the mortality rate is still between 30-50% today. Only about 15% of those affected survive and have no significant disability. The three-year survival rate is 35%.