INFORMATION ON PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE

Persistent vegetative state is a state of stoppage of all brain activity which is irreversible. This irreversible state stops lower brain stem function with the complete absence of voluntary movements, stops responses to stimuli, stop reflexes, and spontaneous respirations.

CAUSES OF PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE

The persistent vegetative state can be caused by following reasons:-

1. Abnormality of the brain and skull.
2. Cardiac arrest.
3. An abnormal and severe decrease in blood sugar.
4. Severe head injury.
5. Brain hemorrhage.
6. Compression of the brainstem.
7. Tumors.
8. Loss of nerve cells.
9. Neurodegenerative diseases.
10. Poisoning due to over exposure to carbon monoxide.

SYMPTOMS OF PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE

The various symptoms that are shown by subject with persistent vegetative state are:-

1. Lost cognitive function.
2. Decreased sleep-wake cycle.
3. Low breathing.
4. Lack of response.
5. Lack of awareness of the environment.
6. Preserved non-cognitive function.

DIAGNOSIS OF PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE

Clinically persistent vegetative state can be diagnosed by following clinically procedure:-

1. CT scan.
2. EEG.
3. Positron-emission tomography (PET)

TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE

Once subject is out of immediate danger, then doctors focuses on preventing infections and maintaining a healthy physical state of subject in state of unconscious state. This will often include preventing pneumonia and bedsores and providing balanced nutrition. Physical therapy may also be used to prevent permanent muscular contractions and deformities of the bones, joints, and muscles that would limit recovery for those who emerge from coma.