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Definition

A coma-like state characterized by open eyes and the appearance of wakefulness is defined as vegetative.

Description

The vegetative state is a chronic or long-term condition. This condition differs from a persistent vegetative state (PVS, a state of coma that lacks both awareness and wakefulness) since patients have awakened from coma, but still have not regained awareness. In the vegetative state patients can open their eyelids occasionally and demonstrate sleep-wake cycles. They also completely lack cognitive function. The vegetative state is also called coma vigil.

Causes and symptoms

The vegetative state can be caused by:

• cardiac arrest
• prolonged and profound hypoglycemia (an abnormal and severe decrease in blood sugar)
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