Which statement about coma is true?
A) During coma, brain oxygen consumption resembles that of a waking state.
B) Coma may be caused by widespread cerebral or brain stem trauma.
C) Coma is neurologically identical to syncope.
D) Coma is a form of deep sleep.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coma can be caused by various factors including traumatic brain injury that affects either the cerebral hemispheres or brainstem. Therefore, statement B is true.

A) During coma, brain oxygen consumption is reduced compared to a waking state, not resembling it. Hence, statement A is false. 
C) Coma and syncope are distinct neurological conditions. Coma involves a prolonged state of unconciousness, whereas syncope is a brief loss of conciousness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Hence, statement C is false. 
D) Coma is not equivalent to deep sleep. During sleep, some parts of the brain remain active, and the person can be awakened by external stimuli. In a state of coma, the person does not respond to any stimuli. Hence, statement D is false.

Which Statement About Coma Is True