Coma is the morbid condition characterized by loss of consciousness with reduced or absent responsiveness to sensory stimuli and preservation of vegetative functions. Four levels of coma are distinguished: awake coma, mild coma, medium coma and deep coma. Symptoms are variable depending on the cause and level of coma.
Immediate procedures are needed to intervene: check motor response, pupils, and verbal response. Regarding the medical history, one needs to assess the time and mode of onset, past or coincidental trauma, past or current illnesses taking drugs or toxicants.
It is also necessary to perform laboratory tests such as CBC, blood glucose, azotemia, electrolytes, transaminases, amylasemia, creatininemia, and urinalysis.
Source: Mediserve‘s Medical Emergencies in Pediatrics.
