Bleeding in the Brain

My loved one is in ICU with the diagnosis brain stem damage or bleeding in the brain.  The Neru-surgeon says that their is 75% of his brain stem is damaged.  He say's it is near the breating center and he may never wake up. We have asked for him to be transported to Standford in the stroke department.  He has be in a coma since Wednesday, December 25, 2007. The prognosis is bad.

This is due to  untreated High Blood pressure/hypertension. If anyone has gone through this can you please respond.

Thank you

[vega1318]

Dear Yollie, this is a terrible situation, I am sorry to hear it and my condolences to your family.      The brainstem is the core of the brain where breathing, wakefulness, blood pressure control, facial movement functions lie...    Unfortunately, you have to listen carefully to what the doctors are telling you and ask them what they believe the prognosis may be...    With such extensive damage to the brainstem, the best case scenario is your loved one waking up but being unable to move or speak which is a really really devastating experience for all...   The other possibility is that he will remain in a coma...   It's been 6 days, if there's no change, the prognosis is unlikely very good but you should talk to the doctors and hear what they have to say exactly.  

You have to make sure that you understand what the prognosis is and decide whether your loved would have wanted to stay in this state long-term.   Depending on what hospital you are in, you may be presented with an opportunity to decide how to proceed with his care.   Some hospitals take charge and make their own decisions, which are usually more conservative (i.e., they keep things going as long as there is some brain function remaining -- it may not be enough to sustain consciousness, however).  
I am sorry to be blunt but these may be issues you will be facing in the days to come.   Please, wait a few more days for any signs of improvement and always always talk to your neurologists about prognosis.

all the best.