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Comatose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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comatose

[ˈkoʊməˌtoʊs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Comatose refers to a state of deep unconsciousness in which a person is unable to respond to stimuli or exhibit any voluntary actions. This condition often results from severe illness, injury, or brain damage and may last for an extended period. A comatose patient typically requires medical intervention and monitoring.

Synonyms

insensible, unconscious, unresponsive.

Examples of usage

  • The patient remained comatose after the accident.
  • Doctors were unsure if he would recover from his comatose state.
  • She was comatose for three weeks following the stroke.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Understanding

  • Comatose individuals are unable to move or respond to stimuli, which can last from hours to years.
  • A coma can result from various causes, including severe head injuries, stroke, or drug overdoses.
  • Doctors assess the coma's depth using the Glasgow Coma Scale, which measures eye, verbal, and motor responses.

Historical Context

  • The term 'coma' originates from the Greek word 'kōma,' meaning deep sleep.
  • Historical records show instances of individuals mistakenly declared 'comatose' who later woke up, leading to significant advancements in medical practices.
  • In literature, comas have been depicted in various stories as metaphors for absence or loss of connection to reality.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray comatose characters awakening to profound changes in their relationships and surroundings.
  • The 1990 film 'Awakenings' showcases how patients in a comatose state can experience a temporary revival through medication.
  • In the animated series 'Futurama,' one character wakes up from a comatose state after 1,000 years and must adapt to a drastically changed world.

Psychological Impact

  • The experience of a coma can deeply affect families, creating emotional strain and uncertainty about the patient's return.
  • Research indicates that individuals who are comatose might still have some degree of awareness, leading to discussions about a 'locked-in' syndrome.
  • The psychological repercussions for awakened patients can include confusion and difficulty re-integrating into daily life after long periods of unconsciousness.

Scientific Study

  • Neurological studies have focused on brain activity in comatose patients using advanced imaging techniques to explore consciousness.
  • Scientists have discovered that some comatose patients show signs of awareness when exposed to specific sounds or stimuli.
  • Research is ongoing to develop better methods and treatments to aid recovery from comas and improve patient outcomes.

Origin of 'comatose'

The word 'comatose' originates from the mid-19th century and derives from the Greek word 'koma', meaning 'deep sleep'. The adaptation into the English language reflects both the nature of the medical condition and the historical understanding of altered states of consciousness. Its usage in medical contexts has evolved, particularly in relation to advances in neurology and critical care. Initially, it described a state where an individual could not be awakened, often observed in patients with severe brain injuries or illnesses. Over time, the term has also been used to metaphorically describe a state of inactivity or lack of engagement in various contexts, illustrating both its medical and figurative significance.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,091, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.