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The vegetative state happens when a person is awake, but is not conscious and also does not have any kind of voluntary movement, therefore, failing to understand or interact with what is going on around them. Thus, although it is common for a person in a vegetative state to open his eyes, it is usually just an involuntary reaction of the body, not being controlled by his own will.
This condition usually arises when there is a very marked decrease in brain function, which is only sufficient to maintain involuntary movements, such as breathing and heartbeat. Thus, although external stimuli, such as sounds, continue to reach the brain, the person cannot interpret them and, therefore, has no reaction.
The vegetative state is more common in people who have suffered extensive brain damage, as in more severe cases of blows to the head, brain tumor or stroke, for example.
Symptoms of vegetative state
In addition to the lack of awareness and inability to interact with what is around him, the person in a vegetative state may also show other signs such as:
- Open and close your eyes during the day;
- Slow eye movements;
- Chew or swallow, other than during the meal;
- Produce small sounds or moans;
- Contract your muscles when you hear a very loud sound or if you have pain in your skin;
- Tear production.
This type of movement happens due to primitive reactions in the human body, but they are often confused by voluntary movements, especially by relatives of the affected person, which can lead to the belief that the person has gained consciousness and is no longer in the vegetative state.
What is the difference from coma
The main difference between the coma and the vegetative state is that in the coma the person does not appear to be awake and, therefore, there is no opening of the eyes or involuntary movements such as yawning, smiling or making small sounds.
Understand more about the coma and what happens to the person in the coma.
Is the vegetative state curable?
In some cases the vegetative state is curable, especially when it lasts less than a month and has a reversible cause, such as intoxication, or lasts less than 12 months when it happens due to a blow, for example. However, when the vegetative state is caused by brain damage or a lack of oxygen, healing can be more difficult and may not even be achieved.
If the vegetative state continues for more than 6 months, it is usually considered to be a persistent or permanent vegetative state, and the more time that passes, the lower the chances of a cure. In addition, after 6 months, even if the person recovers, it is very likely that they will have severe sequelae, such as difficulty speaking, walking or understanding.
Main causes of vegetative state
The causes of the vegetative state are usually related to injuries or changes in the functioning of the brain, the main ones being:
- Strong blows to the head;
- Serious accidents or falls;
- Cerebral hemorrhage;
- Aneurysm or stroke;
- Brain tumour.
In addition, neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, can also interfere with the normal functioning of the brain and, therefore, although it is more rare, they can also be at the base of the vegetative state.
How the treatment is done
There is no specific treatment for the vegetative state and, therefore, the treatment must always be adapted to the type of symptom that each person presents, as well as to the causes that were at the origin of the vegetative state. Thus, if there are cerebral hemorrhages, it is necessary to stop them, for example.
In addition, as the person in a vegetative state is unable to perform day-to-day activities, such as bathing or eating, for example, it is recommended that you stay in hospital so that the food is made directly into the vein, thus avoiding , malnutrition, and so that your hygiene care is done daily.
In some cases, especially when there is a high likelihood of the person recovering, the doctor may also advise you to perform passive physical therapy, in which a physical therapist regularly moves the patient's arms and legs to prevent the muscles from degrading and to maintain the muscles. functional joints.