Coma - frequently asked questions
The information below addresses some of the questions frequently asked by family and friends when they have a loved one in a coma or a prolonged state of consciousness.
Visit our page Coma and prolonged disorders of consciousness to find out more about these states.
In this section:
- What does being in a coma feel like?
- When will my loved one wake up from the coma?
- How can I help my loved one to wake up from their coma?
- My loved one moved when I touched them - were they responding to me?
- Will my loved one ever walk or talk again?
- Why is my loved one in a coma?
What does being in a coma feel like?
Upon emerging from a coma, some people describe the coma as feeling like being in a dream...
When will my loved one wake up from the coma?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell if and when someone will emerge from a coma...
How can I help my loved one to wake up from their coma?
Unfortunately, there is no proven way that you can help your loved one to wake up from their coma...
My loved one moved when I touched them - were they responding to me?
While it is natural to want to hope that movement might be in response to your touch...
Will my loved one ever walk or talk again?
It is impossible to say if and when a person will emerge from a coma...
Why is my loved one in a coma?
Our brains are responsible for everything that we think, feel, say and do...
Coma and prolonged disorders or consciousness (PDOC)
Information about coma, as well as other prolonged disorders of consciousness such as minimally conscious state, vegetative state and locked-in syndrome.
Find out morePost-traumatic amnesia
Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) is the time after a period of unconsciousness when the injured person is conscious and awake, but is behaving or talking in a bizarre or uncharacteristic manner.
Find out moreSupporting you
From local groups or branches, our Emergency Fund, Brain Injury Identity Card, helpline and much more, find out how Headway can support you after brain injury.
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