Examination of Comatose Patient

Overview

A thorough examination of a comatose patient is essential given the spectrum of clinical diagnoses. The most immediate threat to patients is airway, breathing and circulation. All attending physician should employ a structured and focused approach in dealing with a comatose patient. It is important to recognise the urgent steps needed at the time to prevent further deterioration, followed by the final diagnosis of patient’s neurologic status. Here we provide the essential practical guide to the neurological exam of a comatose patient that would assist to determine the aetiology, location and nature of the neurological lesion.

What I will learn?

• By the end of the session, learners will be able to:
  Identify the common causes of coma
  Illustrate a practical approach to a comatose patient
  Assess the state of a comatose patient

Related Classes

• General overview of MS
• MS Multidisciplinary Clinic
• Headache
• Approach to Neuromuscular Disorders
• Anti-Epileptics
• First Seizure Approach and Epilepsy Classification
• Treating Ischemic Stroke with Intravenous tPA Beyond 4.5 Hours
• Objective Neurological Examination