Incomplete alpha coma pattern in a child

Abstract

Only 19 cases of alpha coma pattern in the pediatric age group had been reported. Recently the concept of reactivity has been included in the definition of alpha coma. Electroencephalography reveals reactivity to painful stimuli in incomplete alpha coma. In adults, this pattern has a better prognosis than the complete pattern with no reactivity. A 5-year-old child had coma secondary to hypoxic brain damage after surgery. His electroencephalogram documented an incomplete alpha coma pattern. He remained in a vegetative state. This study is the first report of a child with incomplete alpha pattern documented on electroencephalogram.