the difference between light coma, moderate coma and deep coma
- 2025-04-24
- Dr. Xiao
- 110
after the patient is in coma, the doctor needs to conduct an objective physical examination and provide corresponding auxiliary examinations. through the patient's external stimulus response, reflex response, vital signs and other specific manifestations, it is clear whether the patient is in a light coma, a moderate coma or a deep coma. this is also the identification point of three different degrees of coma.

1. response to external stimulation: the patient is in a shallow coma and has no obvious changes in vital signs. in response to painful stimulation, he has avoidance movements and painful expressions. when a patient is in a moderate coma, he or she will not respond to surrounding objects or various external stimuli, and may have defensive reflexes in response to strong stimulation; when a patient is in a deep coma, the muscles throughout the body are relaxed and unresponsive to various external stimuli;
2. reflex reaction: patients with light coma have pupillary light reflex, corneal reflex, cough reflex and swallowing reflex. these brainstem reflexes are basically preserved; when the patient is in moderate coma, the corneal reflex is weakened and the pupillary light reflex is insensitive, but when the head is turned, the eyeballs will move with both sides; when the patient is in a deep coma, tendon reflexes, cough reflexes, swallowing reflexes, corneal reflexes and pupillary light reflexes all disappear;
3. vital signs: when the patient is in a moderate coma, the vital signs appear abnormal, such as changes in respiration, pulse, and blood pressure; when the patient is in a deep coma, the brainstem reflexes disappear and the vital signs are unstable, such as irregular breathing and a drop in blood pressure. , incontinence, retention, etc.
(warm reminder: medical science sharing. this content does not represent face-to-face consultation. if you feel unwell, please seek medical treatment as soon as possible.)
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