hlarledge

I have a character that has been shot, is near death, and in a coma. Firstly, is this logical for a bullet-wound, or are comas only associated with auto accidents? Secondly, what determines how long someone will remain in a coma? Is there memory loss following wakening from a coma?

Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Hodge

It really depends on quite a few variables... Comas can be caused by anything from traumatic blows to the head to massive blood loss to going into shock. Memory loss, brain damage, duration, etc. all depend on the nature of the injury--these things aren't caused by the coma itself.

I don't think it's fully understood why a coma lasts as long as it does. There have been people who have woken up from a coma, fully functioning after decades. Other people wake up within months.

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Science

RussellN

The cause of a coma is that the brain can't function normally. Loss of blood, lack of oxygen, head injury, poisonous gases, drugs and electrical shock can all cause it.

How long it lasts depends on how long it takes for the brain to recover after the primary cause is corrected or removed - minutes to months.

After being shot and at death's door, the coma mihgt be caused by either the shock from being shot or a second bullet that creased the skull.

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aliceedelweiss

I don't know anything about comas buuuuut.....I'm good at giving links.
Hope that helps a little
alice

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