coma

coma, state of unconsciousness, characterized by loss of reaction to external stimuli and absence of spontaneous nervous activity, usually associated with injury to the cerebrum. Coma may accompany a number of metabolic disorders or physical injuries to the brain from disease or trauma. Different patterns of coma depend on the origin of the injury. Concussions may cause losses of consciousness of short duration; in contrast, lack of oxygen (anoxia) may result in a coma that...