Evaluation of coma and brain death.

Coma is a nonspecific sign of widespread central nervous system impairment resulting from various metabolic and structural etiologies. The rapid recognition of this neurologic emergency and results from the history, physical examination, and early investigative studies are key to the identification and treatment of its underlying cause. The prognosis for recovery depends greatly on the underlying etiology as well as on its optimal treatment, which seeks to preserve neurologic function and maximize the potential for recovery by reversing the primary cause of brain injury, if known, and preventing secondary brain injury from anoxia, ischemia, hypoglycemia, cerebral edema, seizures, infections, and electrolyte and temperature disturbances. Brain death must be diagnosed with similar care and precision, and families approached compassionately about the diagnosis and their decisions regarding organ donation.