Treatments for Coma
Treatments for Coma
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Coma
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Magnesium - possibly used for related magnesium deficiency
Coma: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Coma:
Coma: Research Doctors & Specialists
- Neurology (Brain/CNS Specialists):
- Stroke & Vascular Specialists:
- Senior Health Specialists (Geriatrics):
- more specialists...»
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Coma:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Coma include:
- Levodopa - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
- Apo-Levocarb - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
- Bendopa - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
- Dopar - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
- Larodopa - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
- Prolopa - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
- Sinemet - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
- Sinemet CR - mainly used to assist in comas caused by liver failure
Latest treatments for Coma:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Coma:
Hospital statistics for Coma:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Coma:
- 0.02% (2,499) of hospital consultant episodes were for somnolence, stupor and coma in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 82% of hospital consultant episodes for somnolence, stupor and coma required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 47% of hospital consultant episodes for somnolence, stupor and coma were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 53% of hospital consultant episodes for somnolence, stupor and coma were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 92% of hospital consultant episodes for somnolence, stupor and coma required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Discussion of treatments for Coma:
Once the patient is out of immediate danger, although
still in coma or vegetative state, the medical care team will concentrate
on preventing infections and maintaining the patient's physical state as
much as possible. Such maintenance includes preventing pneumonia and bed
sores and providing balanced nutrition. Physical therapy may also be used
to prevent contractures (permanent muscular contractions) and orthopedic
deformities that would limit recovery for the patients who emerge from
coma.
(Source: excerpt from
NINDS Coma Information Page: NINDS)
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Coma
Treatments of Coma: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Coma.
Delirium:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Delirium is usually reversible with correction of the underlying cause
–Discontinue possible contributing medications
–Treat infection if present
–Correct metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities
-
Pharmacologic therapy
–Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) for hallucinations, delusions, or illusions
–Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) for anxiety, agitation, insomnia, or alcohol withdrawal
-
Environmental supports (e.g., calendars, direction signs) to help with orientation
-
Psychosocial support
-
Physical restraints paradoxically increase patient agitation; thus, other alternatives (e.g., safe environment, door alarms) should be used initially
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Syncope:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Identify, treat, and/or refer on the basis of underlying cardiac, neurologic, autonomic or other causes
-
Vasovagal episode: Rehydrate, treat possible triggers (e.g., relieve pain)
-
Orthostatic hypotension: Adjust medications, make lifestyle changes (e.g., rise slowly from sitting)
-
Cardiac arrhythmias: Medical management and/or pacemaker placement
-
Myocardial disease/valvular disease: Assess severity, consider medical versus surgical treatment
-
Cerebrovascular disease: Reduce risk factors; consider medical versus surgical treatment
-
Hypoglycemia: Identify underlying cause; adjust medications and diet to prevent further episodes
-
Seizures: Adjust medications to prevent seizures; no driving
>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Delirium:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Correction of any metabolic derangements, including alterations of glucose and sodium
-
Drug ingestion
–Discuss with poison control center
-
Infectious causes
–Use of appropriate antibiotics based on likely
organisms
-
Psychological disturbance
–Antipsychotics if appropriate
-
Heat stroke
–Aggressive rehydration
-
Hepatic failure
–Supportive therapy
–Lactulose may help to improve mental state/cognition
-
Hartnup
–Supplemental nicotinamide
-
Pellagra
–Supplemental niacin
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Syncope:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Vasovagal syncope
–Educate family and patient to recognize precipitating factors and to avoid hypovolemia
–Have patient lie in a recumbent position until the
symptoms subside
–Reassurance
- If severe, β-blockers can be used for recurrent vasovagal syncope
-
For breath-holding spells, education is also imperative
-
Iron has also been advocated in patients who are found to be iron-deficient
-
Cardiac abnormalities are treated on an individual basis
–Structural lesions will require repair
–Arrhythmias may require medication or pacing
–Prolonged QT is treated with β-blockers, left cardiac sympathetic denervation, or demand cardiac pacing
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Coma:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
First assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)
–Obtain intravenous access
–Treat for hypoglycemia
–Look for signs of herniation and increased ICP
-
Reverse toxins if possible: Naloxone for opioids
-
Treat with antibiotics for possible infectious agents
–Cephalosporins (for bacteria), acyclovir (for herpes)
-
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
–Keep head of the bed up
–Intubate and hyperventilate
–Give mannitol (an osmotic agent)
-
Seizures: Treat with benzodiazepines and fosphenytoin
-
Treat the underlying systemic illness
-
Observe in the intensive care unit with frequent
neurologic examinations
–Closely observe fluid status, changes in temperature
–Prevent iatrogenic problems (e.g., DVT, corneal
abrasions, decubitus ulcers)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Level of consciousness, decreased:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
After evaluating the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, use the Glasgow Coma Scale to quickly determine his LOC and to obtain baseline data. (See Glasgow Coma Scale.) If the patient’s score is 13 or less, emergency surgery may be necessary. Insert an artificial airway, elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees and, if spinal cord injury has been ruled out, turn the patient’s head to the side. Prepare to suction the patient if necessary. You may need to hyperventilate him to reduce carbon dioxide levels and decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). Then determine the rate, rhythm, and depth of spontaneous respirations. Support his breathing with a handheld resuscitation bag, if necessary. If the patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale score is 7 or less, intubation and resuscitation may be necessary.
Continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs, being alert for signs of increasing ICP, such as bradycardia and a widening pulse pressure. When his airway, breathing, and circulation are stabilized, perform a neurologic examination.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Syncope:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If you see a patient faint, ensure a patent airway and the patient’s safety, and take his vital signs. Then place the patient in a supine position, elevate his legs, and loosen tight clothing. Be alert for tachycardia, bradycardia, or an irregular pulse. Meanwhile, place him on a cardiac monitor to detect arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia appears, give oxygen and insert an I.V. line for medications or fluids. Be ready to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Cardioversion, defibrillation, or insertion of a temporary pacemaker may be required.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Level of consciousness, decreased:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
After evaluating the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, use the Glasgow Coma Scale to quickly determine his LOC and to obtain baseline data. (See Using the Glasgow Coma Scale, page 480.) If the patient’s score is 13 or less, emergency surgery may be necessary. Insert an artificial airway, elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees and, if spinal cord injury has been ruled out, turn the patient’s head to the side. Prepare to suction the patient if necessary. You may need to hyperventilate him to reduce carbon dioxide levels and decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). Then determine the rate, rhythm, and depth of spontaneous respirations. Support his breathing with a handheld resuscitation bag, if necessary. If the patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale score is 7 or less, intubation and resuscitation may be necessary.
Continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs, being alert for signs of increasing ICP, such as bradycardia and widening pulse pressure. When his airway, breathing, and circulation are stabilized, perform a neurologic examination.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Syncope:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If you see a patient faint, ensure a patent airway, patient safety, and take vital signs. Then place the patient in a supine position, elevate his legs, and loosen any tight clothing. Be alert for tachycardia, bradycardia, or an irregular pulse. Meanwhile, place him on a cardiac monitor to detect arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia appears, give oxygen and insert an I.V. line for drugs or fluids. Be ready to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Cardioversion, defibrillation, or insertion of a temporary pacemaker may be required.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Level of consciousness, decreased:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Reassess the patient’s LOC and neurologic status at least hourly. Carefully monitor ICP and intake and output. Ensure airway patency and proper nutrition. Take precautions to help ensure the patient’s safety. Keep him on bed rest with the side rails up and maintain seizure precautions. Keep emergency resuscitation equipment at the patient’s bedside. Prepare the patient for a computed tomography scan of the head, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, EEG, and lumbar puncture. Maintain an elevation of the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees. Don’t administer an opioid or sedative because either may further decrease the patient’s LOC and hinder an accurate, meaningful neurologic examination. Apply restraints only if necessary because their use may increase his agitation and confusion. Talk to the patient even if he appears comatose; your voice may help reorient him to reality.
Patient teaching
Explain the treatments and procedures the patient needs. Teach safety and seizure precautions. Provide referrals to sources of support. Discuss quality of life issues with the patient and his family, as indicated.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Syncope:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs closely. Prepare the patient for an electrocardiogram, Holter monitoring, and carotid duplex, carotid Doppler, and electrophysiology studies.
Patient teaching
Advise the patient to pace his activities, to rise slowly from a recumbent position, to avoid standing still for a prolonged time, and to sit or lie down as soon as he feels faint.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Level of consciousness, decreased:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
After evaluating the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, use the Glasgow Coma Scale to quickly determine his LOC and to obtain baseline data. (See Glasgow Coma Scale.) Insert an artificial airway, elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees and, if spinal cord injury has been ruled out, turn the patient’s head to the side. Prepare to suction the patient, if necessary. You may need to hyperventilate him to reduce carbon dioxide levels and decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). Then determine the rate, rhythm, and depth of spontaneous respirations. Support his breathing with a handheld resuscitation bag if necessary. If the patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale score is 7 or lower, intubation and resuscitation may be necessary. Continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs, being alert for signs of increasing ICP, such as bradycardia and widening pulse pressure. When his airway, breathing, and circulation are stabilized, perform a neurologic examination.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Syncope:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If you see a patient faint, ensure a patent airway, patient safety, and take vital signs. Then place the patient in a supine position, elevate his legs, and loosen any tight clothing. Be alert for tachycardia, bradycardia, or an irregular pulse. Meanwhile, place him on a cardiac monitor to detect arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia appears, give oxygen and insert an I.V. line for drugs or fluids. Be ready to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Cardioversion, defibrillation, or insertion of a temporary pacemaker may be required.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Level of consciousness, decreased:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Reassess the patient's LOC and neurologic status at least hourly.
▪ Carefully monitor ICP and intake and output.
▪ Ensure airway patency and proper nutrition.
▪ Keep the patient on bed rest and maintain seizure precautions.
▪ Keep emergency resuscitation equipment at the patient's bedside.
▪ Prepare the patient for a computed tomography scan of the head, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, EEG, and lumbar puncture.
▪ Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees.
▪ Don't administer an opioid or sedative because either may further decrease the patient's LOC and hinder an accurate, meaningful neurologic examination.
▪ Talk to the patient even if he appears comatose; your voice may help reorient him to reality.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying cause of decreased LOC and its treatments and procedures to the patient and his family.
▪ Teach them about safety and seizure precautions.
▪ Provide referrals to sources of support.
▪ Discuss quality of life issues, if appropriate.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Syncope:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs closely.
▪ Prepare him for an electrocardiogram and Holter monitor, carotid duplex, carotid Doppler, and electrophysiology studies.
▪ Take measures to provide for patient safety.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Encourage the patient to pace his activities.
▪ Teach the patient measures to take if he feels faint.
▪ Tell the patient to rise slowly from a lying or sitting to a standing position.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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