Non-traumatic coma--profile and prognosis
Thacker, A.K.; Singh, B.N.; Sarkari, N.B.; Mishra, R.K.
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 45(4): 267-270
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 12521081 Document Number: 7223
Two hundred consecutive patients of non-traumatic coma, were investigated to establish its aetiology. Neurologic profile of these patients included assessment of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and evaluation of brainstem reflexes. 102 patients died and only 54 patients could make good recovery. Cerebrovascular diseases (33%), CNS infections (21%), and hepatic encephalopathy (18%) were the frequent causes of non-traumatic coma, with the first two carrying relatively poor prognosis. Poor outcome was also associated with low GCS score and absence of brainstem reflexes specially absent pupillary, oculocephalic and oculovestibular responses and decerebrate posture.
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