QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Patients in a coma are unresponsive to external stimuli and do not show basic reflexes. Coma is often reversible. However, it may progress to vegetative states, minimally conscious states, or even death.
10000800
e
Coma
QuestionChoice
As this patient is unresponsive but shows arousal in his sleep-wake cycle, he is in a vegetative state. These patients are unresponsive and do not show voluntary responses to their environment. Reflexes are variably preserved.
10000796
a
Continuing vegetative state
QuestionChoice
This is similar to a vegetative state. However, some higher cortical function remains, such as movement to command, reaching, or visual tracking.
10000799
d
Minimally conscious state
QuestionChoice
This is irreversible damage to the brainstem. As such, no reflexes are present.
10000798
c
Brainstem death
QuestionChoice
Patients are conscious (arousable and aware), but cannot respond. Their vertical eye movements are often present. They do not have any reflexes due to damage to the pons in the brain.
10000797
b
Locked-in syndrome
Concept
Chapter
2693
3827
Glasgow Coma Scale
Topic
152
Neuroscience
12706
A 35-year-old male had a traumatic brain injury three weeks ago. He is still unresponsive to voice and pain. However, he does have pupillary reflexes, as well as a sleep/wake cycle.

How can his state of consciousness best be described?
a