coma

[mommy90]

can spinal surgery and or pinched nerve to the brainstem cause a person to go into a coma. mri shows everything is clear,and breathing on own.

[mommy90]

The MRI shows blood to the brain and brainstem. They have run all kinds of test. They don't know why he isn't responding. They are going to take a look at the brainstem. Thank you

[COBOB]

So if they are GCS=3, (anything <=8 is pretty bad) Time to talk to the Nueros and the hospital social workers. Sounds like it is time for them to do an EEG. As I said, if the individual is breathing on their own, at least a potion of the hind brain is intact.  The EEG can determine if any of the higher brain structures in the cerebrum are intact.  You need this information to make future decisions.  Hope this individual has left instructions for how they wish their medical care to continue.  IThis is one of those cases where a Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Advance Medical Directives would be very useful.

Sorry that you have been placed in this situation.

Bob

[mommy90]

The person is at the lowest coma score. MRI is clear. Was under anesthesia for a very long time. Anything would be a big help. Thank you

[COBOB]

A pinched nerve is not likely.  Coma is a brain issue.  There are some drug effect, and side effects from anesthesia that can lead to coma.  If the person in breathing on their own, it sounds like the pons along with nuclei are at some level intact.  You need to post more data like the Coma Score, swallowing, eye movement, corneal reflex, deep tendon reflexes, and posture (normal, fetal, decerebrate, or decorticate.)  

My experience has been that coma after surgery (not directly involving the brain) is typically related to anesthesia (anesthetic agents, other drugs used by anesthesia, or hypoxia.)

Bob