Coma

Finding the reason for the coma — including diagnosing an underlying medical condition — needs to happen quickly. One of the first steps to diagnosing a coma is a neurological exam. A healthcare provider can carry out this exam and then use a tool like the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine the severity of the coma.

In addition to the neurological exam, there are several tests that healthcare providers will use to try to find why the coma is happening and how severe the problem is. In cases of head injuries, for example, the cause is easier to identify, and tests will focus on determining how severe the damage is. When the cause isn’t known, finding the cause of the coma and determining the severity of the cause often happen at the same time.

What tests will be done to diagnose this condition?

Many tests can help diagnose a coma or determine how severe it is. These include:

Laboratory testing of blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and more. These are extremely helpful for finding many causes of a coma. These can detect issues with blood sugar levels, electrolyte imbalances, organ failure, toxins and poisons, and more. They can also help find signs of infections.
Diagnostic imaging. These tests use varying methods to “look” inside your head for signs of injury or damage. Examples of the most common diagnostic imaging tests include computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Electroencephalogram (EEG). This test detects and tracks your brain’s electrical activity. It can help determine the severity of a coma or detect signs of conditions that may cause a coma, like seizures and epilepsy.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test can help detect or rule out a heart rhythm problem that could have led to a coma.

Other tests are also possible, depending on the coma itself, your circumstances and your health history. A healthcare provider is the best person to explain what tests they recommend (if you have a loved one in a coma) or which tests they performed (if they’re talking to you after you regain consciousness).

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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