Harish Rana was lying unconscious on the bed for almost 13 years. Now the Supreme Court has given him permission for euthanasia. Earlier, the medical board of AIIMS doctors also clearly said that now there is no hope left for his recovery. In such a situation, the court gave permission to remove the life support system. But this case has raised an important question. Harish Rana Was in coma. For his euthanasia, permission of the court had to be taken, whereas if a person is brain dead then permission of the court is not required. In such a situation, usually a different procedure is adopted and permission for organ donation is also obtained. In such a situation, the question arises that what is the difference between coma and brain death and why is the legal and medical decision different in these two situations.
When a person suffers from a serious brain problem such as a serious accident (head injury) or stroke, in many cases the patient goes into a coma. There is a lot of difference between coma and brain dead.
What does it mean to go into a coma?
Coma is a mental condition in which a person goes into deep unconsciousness. In coma, the patient is unable to open his eyes, speak and there is no body movement. Although the patient’s brain is working. The patient continues to breathe in coma. His heart also keeps beating and his body parts keep working. A person in coma regains consciousness within a few days, weeks to a few months, but in some cases he does not regain consciousness even for years. In such a situation, doctors tell how long the person will remain in coma and when he will regain consciousness, although in many cases it becomes difficult to find out the exact diagnosis.
What is brain death?
Brain death is a condition in which the brain stops functioning completely. In this, all types of functions of the brain are completely destroyed. A board of doctors examines the brain dead person and declares him brain dead. This is legally considered death in medical science. But there is always a possibility of coming back into coma. The main difference between brain death and coma is that in coma some part of the brain continues to function, whereas in brain death the brain stops functioning completely.
How do doctors decide whether there is coma or brain dead?
Dr. Daljeet Singh, former HOD of Neurosurgery Department at GB Pant Hospital, Delhi. It is said that doctors also see these differences. For this, many types of neurological tests are done. This reveals whether the patient is in coma or has brain death. If someone is brain dead or even in a coma, complete information is given to the family members. A brain dead person is considered legally dead. There is also a legal rule to remove his organs and transplant them.
The decision to keep a person in coma in the hospital depends on the family members. Even with the consent of the family members, doctors in the hospital premises cannot remove the ventilator support of the patient in coma. Yes, if the family members want to take the patient home, then after a written permission they can take the patient home.
Court in coma, know why it was needed
Dr. Daljeet says that in coma the patient is in deep unconsciousness, but his brain is not completely switched off. There is a possibility of recovery of the patient in coma. Many people come out of coma even after months or years. Therefore, the person cannot be considered dead and his life support system cannot be removed as long as he is in the hospital. Because removing the support from a person who still has a chance of survival is a sensitive matter, in which a legal decision becomes necessary. Therefore, the doctor or the family cannot take this decision on their own and the permission of the court is necessary for this. The court usually gives its decision after looking at the report of the medical board, the condition of the patient and the possibilities of recovery.