Hi. My 25 year old nephew has been in a medically induced coma following a tbi one week ago. They have reduced his sedation and he has been moving and twitching but also recipes when his aural temperature is taken and when his eyes are exposed to light (he has patches on them due to trauma). Are these signs that he is becoming aware or are they just reflex movements?
Hello! Thank you for asking on Chat Doctor! Regarding your concern, I would explain that these movements may be just reflexes, related to different stimuli (light, electrolyte changes, etc.). Anyway, a careful neurological examination (the brain stem reflexes, reaction to the pain or sound) are necessary to give a more adequate answer to your question. You should discuss with his attending physician on these issues. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards,