[Comatose state--think different]

A Holbro1, A Conen

  • 1Medizinische Poliklinik, Universitätsspital Basel, Switzerland. aholbro@uhbs.ch

Praxis
|May 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A severe neurological condition, neuroborreliosis, can be reversed with prompt treatment. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis for potentially reversible neurological impairments.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Meningoencephalitis presents with inflammation of the brain and meninges.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing neurological infections.

Observation:

  • A 76-year-old woman presented with meningoencephalitis and mononuclear pleocytosis.
  • Her condition worsened to a comatose state despite empirical antimicrobial treatment.

Findings:

  • Neuroborreliosis was confirmed serologically and via molecular biology.
  • Intravenous ceftriaxone therapy led to a slow but complete recovery.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for careful decision-making in treating potentially reversible neurological diseases.
  • Neuroborreliosis is identified as a treatable cause of severe neurological impairment.

Related Concept Videos

Subconsciousness and No Awareness01:15

Subconsciousness and No Awareness

The concept of subconscious awareness refers to the processing of information below the level of conscious thought, which significantly influences both behaviors and decisions. It is also known as waking subconscious awareness. This complex level of cognition operates without the direct awareness of the individual, facilitating rapid and simultaneous handling of multiple information streams.
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...
Altered States of Awareness01:06

Altered States of Awareness

Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
Understanding Consciousness01:23

Understanding Consciousness

Consciousness can be defined as the state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, sensations, and surroundings. It encompasses two major components: awareness and arousal. Awareness pertains to the recognition of environmental stimuli and internal states. At the same time, arousal refers to the physiological readiness to engage with these stimuli, which varies significantly between states like sleep and wakefulness.
Sleep, a crucial state, is characterized by reduced physical...
Stages of General Anesthesia01:22

Stages of General Anesthesia

Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...
High-Level and Low-Level Awareness01:19

High-Level and Low-Level Awareness

Controlled processes in human consciousness represent high-alert mental states where individuals deliberately focus their attention on achieving specific goals. Controlled processes can be seen in situations like mastering new technology, where a person might become so absorbed that they ignore surrounding distractions. Such processes involve selective attention, requiring one to concentrate on particular elements of experience while disregarding others. These are governed by executive...
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...