Abstract
Although consciousness is suppressed in deep coma, sensorial stimulation may affect vegetative functions such as sweating, variations in pupil size, cardiac rhythms, and respiration. Reactions to the presence of family members or empathetic nurses may sometimes be observed (Mazaux et al., 1989). Studies of patients’ recollections of posttraumatic coma have reported themes of imprisonment, sensory experiences, and death (Schnaper, 1975; Tosch, 1988). On the basis of these considerations, the following recommendations have been made (Tosch, 1988):
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1.
Patients in come may be spoken to, be handled gently, and be oriented.
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2.
They may be told they may experience unusual sensations while unconscious. La Puma et al. (1990) have reported some of the benefits of talking to comatose patients. They should be spoken to as one would speak to other patients. Doing so may help others to respect the patient.
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3.
Ominous prognostic and other medical discussions should not be held in the presence of the patient.
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4.
Patients should be encouraged to discuss recollections of coma when consciousness is regained.
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5.
If noxious stimuli are used, the least noxious stimulus that elicits behavior should be used.
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© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media New York
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Anderson, R.M. (1994). Coma Stimulation. In: Practitioner’s Guide to Clinical Neuropsychology. Critical Issues in Neuropsychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2480-9_33
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2480-9_33
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