Recently, the Second Department of Neurosurgery at Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital successfully revived a 77-year-old patient who had been in a coma for several months. This successful case not only brought joy to the patient’s family but also marked a significant achievement in the hospital’s research and practice in coma awakening, providing effective treatment and hope for recovery to more patients with consciousness disorders.
The patient, an elderly woman from Anshan, suddenly developed a high fever and confusion in December last year and was diagnosed with a brain abscess at a local hospital. Although her condition was stabilized, she fell into a coma. Despite undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, her consciousness showed no significant improvement, with only eye movement remaining. Faced with this challenge, her family sought consultation at the Second Department of Neurosurgery at Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital.
After an initial evaluation, the medical team determined that the patient was in a minimally conscious state and recommended a comprehensive brain function assessment and coma awakening treatment. In late January, the patient was transferred to the hospital for specialized care. The department conducted multiple examinations, including EEG, neuroelectrophysiology, and MRI-based consciousness assessment, and developed a personalized treatment plan involving medication, rehabilitation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Within the first week of treatment, subtle improvements in the patient’s consciousness were observed—her wakefulness periods extended, and her eye contact with family members became more responsive. By the 14th day, she could turn her head toward sounds and perform simple actions like opening her mouth or sticking out her tongue upon request. On the 17th day, she could follow commands more clearly, even gesturing numbers with her hands. These progressive improvements brought hope to both the medical team and her family.
The patient’s awakening not only gave her a new lease on life but also brought immense relief to her family, who expressed deep gratitude for the skilled and attentive care provided by the hospital.
For years, the Second Department of Neurosurgery at Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital has been dedicated to multidisciplinary coma awakening and consciousness disorder assessments. Equipped with an experienced medical team and advanced diagnostic tools, the department offers comprehensive and personalized treatment. Moving forward, it aims to provide even more precise and tailored medical advice to help patients with consciousness disorders alleviate complications and achieve recovery.
This successful case highlights the hospital’s expertise and technical proficiency in coma awakening. The hospital will continue to advance research and clinical practice to further contribute to progress in this field.
