A drug induced coma is initiated with the help of drugs
like barbiturates like pentobarbital or sedatives like propofol. During the coma there
is no brain wave activity which can be seen with the help of an EEG which is completely
flat. The patient becomes completely unresponsive to all external stimuli like light,
sound, pain, etc. A drug induced coma is used to place the brain in a state of rest and
close down as much activity in the body as possible. This is used in cases where there
has been a lot of injury to the brain or any other part of the body and it is essential
that all the resources of the patient’s body be used for healing the
damage.
During the coma the doctor needs to monitor the
patient closely to deal with problems that are due to immobility, which include
pneumonia, formation of blood clots, muscle paralysis and weakness. It is also essential
to maintain the nutritional status of the patient so that they are normal when they are
brought out from the state of coma.
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