A coma is an extended period of unconsciousness characterized by the inability to rouse an individual, lack of response to external stimuli, and absence of voluntary motor activity. Severe medical complications may arise from a multitude of factors, such as protracted hypoxia, infections, metabolic disorders, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.

An individual in a stupor exhibits a disturbance in their regular sleep-wake cycle and lacks responsiveness to their surroundings. Variations in the severity and duration of comas exist; while certain individuals may recover, others may advance to a persistent vegetative state or even cerebral demise.

To determine the severity of a coma, medical professionals employ a variety of instruments, including the Glasgow Coma Scale, which evaluates visual, verbal, and motor responses. Whether a coma is treatable or prognostic is contingent on its underlying cause.

It is critical to emphasize that brain death does not inherently equate to coma, as certain individuals may regain consciousness through rehabilitation and appropriate medical treatment. .