Physical and surgical examination of patient after 6-year coma.

A patient with head trauma who had been comatose for 6 years and residing in a nursing home, began to respond to her environment and subsequently underwent rehabilitation that resulted in significant recovery. Speech and psychologic functions that had been severely affected improved considerably after 9 months training. Surgical release of immobilization contractures that had prevented significant use of any extremity, resulted in healing of several decubitus ulcers and allowed the patient to regain some ADL skills in a wheelchair. Further urethral erosion was prevented by adequate hygiene and release of adductor spasticity. After 14 months of intensive rehabilitation and family teaching, the patient was able to live at home with her family.