The Charlie Conversation

Medically Induced (Artificial) Coma: An Informational Overview

Introduction

A medically induced coma—also called an artificial coma—is a controlled, temporary state of deep unconsciousness brought about intentionally by physicians using specific medications. Unlike natural sleep, this state suppresses brain activity to allow the body and brain to rest and heal in situations where uncontrolled brain activity or severe injury could cause additional harm.

What a Medically Induced Coma Is

In a medically induced coma, doctors use powerful anesthetic drugs to lower brain activity to a level that protects the brain and nervous system. The goal is not to “put someone to sleep” like ordinary anesthesia used for surgery—but to reduce metabolic demands, limit harmful brain responses, and prevent further injury in critically ill patients.

This intervention is typically performed in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting, with continuous monitoring by a multidisciplinary medical team.

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