Basedow’s coma
Overview
Profound state of unconsciousness associated with depressed cerebral activity from which the individual cannot be aroused; coma generally occurs when there is dysfunction or injury involving both cerebral hemispheres or the brain stem.
Symptoms
* Head injury * Stroke * Brain damage * Heart attack * Shock - see also causes of shock * Persistent vegetative state * Metabolic diseases * Diabetic coma * Diabetic ketoacidosis * Kidney disease * Liver disease
Diagnosis
* Perform basic CPR if person is not breathing or has absent pulse * Determine the level of consciousness using the Glasgow com scale which determines the degree of coma * Note general skin color - e.g. cyanosis (blueness of tongue and peripheries), bruising, jaundice, rashes, hyperpigmentation of Addison's disease. * Look for evidence of injury to head