$Unique_ID{BRK01459}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Does "Persistent Vegetative State" Mean a Person is "Brain Dead"?}
$Subject{coma death central nervous system persistent vegetative state brain
dead vegetable alertness neurologically comas comatose vegetate neurological
autonomic}
$Volume{F-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does "Persistent Vegetative State" Mean a Person is "Brain Dead"?


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QUESTION:  I read a newspaper article recently that used a term to describe
the condition of a person in coma.  They called it a "persistent vegetative
state".  Does this mean the person was "brain dead"?  Doesn't it refer to
being in a state like a "vegetable"?  If those definitions are correct, then I
can't understand why they were treating the patient as it was reported.  Can
you explain?

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ANSWER:  This term deals with one of the most sensitive issues in medicine
today.  Contrary to your understanding, a person in a persistent vegetative
state is not in a coma, nor are they brain dead or a "vegetable".  The
condition results from severe and irreversible brain injury to a complex and
vital area of the brain that is responsible for maintaining alertness.  Most
neuroscientists believe the patient is in an awake state, but are unable
either to sense or respond to external stimuli.  Initially the patient suffers
a coma, but return to this state within 4 weeks after the start of the coma.
Patients no longer display apparent thinking functions, and are totally unable
to accomplish the activities of daily living.  No patient who has been in this
state for longer than 1 1/2 years has ever been reported to improve
neurologically, although there is 1 report of a patient improving after 1
year.  It is clear that more study is needed, along with a clearer
understanding of the condition.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.