Evaluating the comatose patient

Rapid neurologic assessment is key to appropriate management

Khalid Malik Dr Malik is a fellow in neuroscience and Dr Hess is chief, neurology service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia. Dr Hess also is professor and chair, department of neurology, Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, Augusta.

, MBBS &

David C. Hess Dr Malik is a fellow in neuroscience and Dr Hess is chief, neurology service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia. Dr Hess also is professor and chair, department of neurology, Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, Augusta.Correspondence[email protected]

, MD

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Coma is the most severe form of unresponsiveness, in which a patient is totally unaware of self and surroundings. With the patient so disengaged during examination, management can be particularly challenging. What steps should the primary care physician take to ensure the most appropriate care for a comatose patient? In this article, Drs Malik and Hess describe an evaluation plan, laboratory studies, and treatment options and discuss the prognosis associated with coma.

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Evaluating the comatose patient

Rapid neurologic assessment is key to appropriate management

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Evaluating the comatose patient

Rapid neurologic assessment is key to appropriate management

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