List of people who awoke from a coma

List of Notable People Who Awoke from a Coma encompasses individuals from various backgrounds, including medicine, entertainment, sports, and politics, who have experienced a significant medical condition known as a coma. A coma is a deep state of prolonged unconsciousness in which a person cannot be awakened; fails to respond normally to painful stimuli, light, or sound; lacks a normal wake-sleep cycle; and does not initiate voluntary actions. People who awaken from comas often face long periods of rehabilitation and may have ongoing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. This list highlights some remarkable recoveries and the diverse impacts of comas on individuals and their families.

Notable Cases

• Ariel Sharon - Former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, entered a coma in January 2006 following a massive stroke. Despite remaining in a vegetative state, he showed some brain activity before his death in January 2014.

• Gary Dockery - A police officer from Walden, Tennessee, Gary Dockery awoke in 1996 after being in a coma for 7 and a half years following a gunshot wound to the head.

• Jean-Dominique Bauby - The French editor of Elle magazine, Jean-Dominique Bauby, suffered a massive stroke in 1995 that left him with locked-in syndrome. Though not a coma in the traditional sense, his condition rendered him fully conscious but unable to move or communicate verbally. He authored The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by blinking his left eyelid.

• Terry Wallis - An American man who awoke in 2003 after being in a minimally conscious state for 19 years following a car accident. His case has been studied extensively by neuroscientists.

• Natasha Richardson - British actress Natasha Richardson suffered a head injury while skiing in 2009. Initially refusing treatment, she was later hospitalized and placed in a coma, dying a few days afterward. Her case brought significant attention to the dangers of head injuries and the importance of immediate medical intervention.

• Michael Schumacher - The seven-time Formula One World Champion suffered a severe head injury while skiing in December 2013. He was placed in a medically induced coma until June 2014. His current health status is closely guarded by his family.

Medical and Ethical Considerations

The recovery of a person from a coma is often uncertain and varies greatly from case to case. Factors influencing recovery include the cause and severity of the brain injury, the duration of the coma, and the specific areas of the brain affected. Ethical considerations, such as the decision to continue life-sustaining treatment in cases where recovery is uncertain, are complex and deeply personal decisions that involve the patient's family, medical team, and sometimes legal intervention.

Impact on Families and Society

The impact of a coma on families and society can be profound, involving emotional, financial, and social challenges. Families may experience a roller coaster of hope and despair as their loved ones show signs of improvement or deterioration. The cost of long-term medical care can be substantial, and the societal contribution of rehabilitation services, support groups, and research into brain injury recovery is critical.

See Also

• Coma
• Brain injury
• Rehabilitation
• Neuroscience