Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Has Heart Attack. Doctor Cannot Wake Him Up. What Can We Do?
My friend had I heart attack got help in 5 min. was recissitated, treated, chilled, etc. it has been 8 days and the Dr.s cant get him to wake up. 53 yr old male. 180 lbs.. He has normal heart beat and is breathing on his own.
He just wont wake up. The wife plans to bring him home with Hospice on the 12th day. Is there anything we can do to wake him? How long can he stay this way, is this common?
He just wont wake up. The wife plans to bring him home with Hospice on the 12th day. Is there anything we can do to wake him? How long can he stay this way, is this common?
Tue, 30 Jul 2013
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic
It is not common
Probably, he could have sustained brain damage - from the hypoxia of cardiac arrest / there could also have been the same atherosclerosis affecting brain blood vessels...
A neurological assessment (including EEG and MRI) may give clues..
Only the treating doctor will be able to give proper information and guidance
God bless
Good luck
Welcome to Health Care Magic
It is not common
Probably, he could have sustained brain damage - from the hypoxia of cardiac arrest / there could also have been the same atherosclerosis affecting brain blood vessels...
A neurological assessment (including EEG and MRI) may give clues..
Only the treating doctor will be able to give proper information and guidance
God bless
Good luck
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Hello,
It is very unfortunate for your friend that this has happened.Heart attack is a serious problem in itself,but landing up in such a state after recovering from it is most disturbing.During cardiac arrest there is reduced oxygen supply to the brain.Brain can withstand such hypoxia for a maximum of 8 minutes only at the maximum.Again its rare that though he was resuscitated within 5 minuted his brain has been damaged.The area of the brain that is responsible for wakeful stage is damaged.Thats why he is not awakening.But since his heart has started functioning normally,all other parameters are normal.
Its impossible to predict prognosis.But,most of the brain recovery after such arrest occurs within the first 48 hours.That time has already passed.So,we can only support him well with good nutrition etc and wait for brain to recover in its own time.Radio imaging of the brain may also not reveal much.Yes,he can be brought home,provided he can be nursed well.
It is very unfortunate for your friend that this has happened.Heart attack is a serious problem in itself,but landing up in such a state after recovering from it is most disturbing.During cardiac arrest there is reduced oxygen supply to the brain.Brain can withstand such hypoxia for a maximum of 8 minutes only at the maximum.Again its rare that though he was resuscitated within 5 minuted his brain has been damaged.The area of the brain that is responsible for wakeful stage is damaged.Thats why he is not awakening.But since his heart has started functioning normally,all other parameters are normal.
Its impossible to predict prognosis.But,most of the brain recovery after such arrest occurs within the first 48 hours.That time has already passed.So,we can only support him well with good nutrition etc and wait for brain to recover in its own time.Radio imaging of the brain may also not reveal much.Yes,he can be brought home,provided he can be nursed well.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on MRI
Loading Online Doctors....