Generally, people in a coma have their eyes closed and cannot see what is happening around them, although their ears may still receive sounds from the environment [2]. The extent of internal "seeing" (dreams, thoughts, etc.) is largely unknown and varies from person to person.
Understanding Sensory Perception During Coma
While external vision is typically absent due to closed eyes, the brain's ability to process other sensory information varies:
- Auditory Processing: Some studies suggest that even in a coma, the brain can still process sounds, such as voices [2]. This indicates a level of auditory perception.
- Other Senses: Research into how other senses (touch, smell, taste) function during a coma is ongoing and less definitive.
What's Actually Happening?
Since individuals in a coma cannot communicate their experiences, understanding their internal world is challenging. Neurological studies are ongoing to investigate brain activity during comas and potential levels of awareness. It's important to remember that coma experiences can vary greatly from person to person.
