There are several types of coma, which can be classified based on their cause, duration, and level of consciousness. Some of the main types of coma include:
Traumatic Coma: This type of coma is caused by an injury to the brain, such as a head injury, stroke, or brain infection.
Metabolic Coma: This type of coma is caused by a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes, liver failure, or kidney failure.
Toxic-metabolic encephalopathy. This is an acute condition of brain dysfunction with symptoms of confusion and/or delirium. The condition is usually reversible. The causes of toxic-metabolic encephalopathy are varied. They include systemic illness, infection, organ failure, and other conditions.
Hypoxic Coma: This type of coma is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, such as in cases of drowning, suffocation, or cardiac arrest.
Persistent vegetative state. This is a state of severe unconsciousness. The person is unaware of their surroundings and incapable of voluntary movement. With a persistent vegetative state, someone may progress to wakefulness but with no higher brain function. With persistent vegetative state, there is breathing, circulation, and sleep-wake cycles.
Stupor: This is a type of coma that is less severe than a coma, but the person is also not fully conscious.
Medically induced: This type of temporary coma, or deep state of unconsciousness, is used to protect the brain from swelling after an injury – and allow the body to heal. The patient receives a controlled dose of an anesthetic, which causes lack of feeling or awareness. Doctors then closely watch the person’s vitals. This happens only in hospital intensive care units.
It is important to note that the coma is a severe disorder and it is a medical emergency, Therefore, if you suspect someone is in a coma, seek medical attention immediately.