Consciousness and the Nature of Comas

The term "coma" has its roots in the Greek language, derived from "koma," which translates to “state of sleep.” While it is true that a patient may experience periods of rest during a coma, this definition is somewhat misleading. Unlike a person in a state of sleep, individuals in comas typically cannot be awakened.

To clarify, there exists a variety of consciousness states — coma being just one of them. For example, a person in a catatonic state remains motionless and uncommunicative, often showing little eye contact. Catatonia can occur as a symptom of severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Individuals in a stupor or drowsiness may be roused to varying degrees of alertness, while those suffering from locked-in syndrome can think and process information but are paralyzed except for their eyes, which they use to communicate. In contrast, a brain-dead individual shows no signs of brain activity and cannot think, move, or breathe independently.

Understanding these states of consciousness begins with a comprehension of how the brain and body function.

According to Stephanie Watson in an article from How Stuff Works, “Scientists believe that consciousness depends on the constant transmission of chemical signals from the brainstem and thalamus to the cerebrum. These areas are interconnected through neural pathways known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Any disruption to these messages can lead to an altered state of consciousness.”

While in a coma, the brain continues to function at a fundamental level but usually does not respond to external stimuli. Thus, a coma can be likened to a dream state, where the individual remains alive but lacks awareness.

Medical professionals utilize the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to evaluate a patient’s state of consciousness during a coma. This scale scores patients based on eye-opening, verbal, and motor responses. A score of 15 indicates full consciousness, while scores between three and eight suggest a likely coma.

Medically-Induced Comas

Some individuals enter a coma due to health emergencies, such as severe head injuries, strokes, or oxygen deprivation. Others, like myself, are intentionally placed in medically-induced comas.

A medically-induced coma is a temporary state of deep unconsciousness created by healthcare providers through controlled doses of anesthetics. This practice is often employed in intensive care units (ICUs) to prevent brain swelling or, as in my case, to facilitate healing.

During this phase, medical staff closely monitor the patient’s vital signs to avert any unintended harm.

Experiencing the Coma

It’s crucial to understand that each individual’s experience of unconsciousness differs significantly.

As noted by an article on the Traditions Health website, “Everyone who enters a coma has a distinct experience. Some recall certain events during their coma, while others remember very little.”

My own experience was vivid despite the brevity of my coma, lasting just a few days yet feeling like an eternity. I do not recall any physical pain, but I distinctly remember feelings of fear. The hallucinations I encountered were prolonged, shifting between unsettling visions like the sewer scenario mentioned earlier, and they were often accompanied by tangible sensations.

At one point, I perceived my body as expanding, as if a balloon were filling with water. Although unaware of my actual surroundings, I felt bloated and hot, as if my temperature were soaring. The beeping of machines surrounded me, and an overwhelming sensation took hold. Ultimately, I felt as if my body were bursting, followed by an intense relief, leading to a darkness so profound that it was almost suffocating. The experiences that followed are still something I am processing.

Many other coma survivors have shared similar, often terrifying experiences. Online forums and articles recount tales of daunting visions and surreal adventures. One individual described a nightmare of being imprisoned and tortured, while another recounted soaring through a desert while still in their hospital bed. The latter seems far more enjoyable than the maze-like scenarios I encountered during my unconscious episodes.

Emerging from the Shadows

After six days in a medically-induced coma, I was finally roused by doctors who informed me they were about to remove my breathing tube. I was completely unaware of how long I had been unconscious, only later discovering the duration of my coma. While I remembered arriving at the hospital and was aware that I had faced a medical crisis, the details of my experience during this drug-induced state were largely obscured. However, my mind retained vivid memories of those six days spent in darkness.