How to Cope with a Loved One in a Coma

If you have a loved one in a coma, then you're likely going through an emotionally stressful time. Doctors usually never know for sure when a coma patient will awaken. This uncertainty can cause you and your entire family a lot of strain.

Instructions

1. Speak to the patient's neurologist about the coma. If you understand the unconscious state better and what brought the coma on, this can help you get through the difficult time. Pick up some reading at the library about comas as well, such as "Gale Encyclopedia of Allied Health: Coma."

2. Spend some time with your loved one in a coma. Many people feel that coma patients have a sense of the people around them. Talk to the coma victim, hold his hand and pray if you're a religious person.

3. Join a brain injury support group. Go to the Brain Injury Society's Web site to find support groups for loved ones of people in a coma or have suffered brain trauma (see Resources below).

4. Stay supportive after the patient awakes from the coma. Hopefully, your loved one will come out of the vegetative state. Comas can cause long- term neurological effects, such as personality changes, speech impediments, vision loss and more.

Tips & Warnings

• Your loved one's doctor may want to speak to your family about organ donation. Sadly, many patients don't wake up from a coma and the family may want to consider donating the patient's organs after she has passed away.

• Remember to take care of yourself as well when you have a loved one in a coma. Split up the time at the hospital with other family members and make sure you eat well and get enough sleep.

Resources

• Locate a support group through the Brain Injury Society site