An EEG in a vegetative state will show brain waves. The vegetative state is characterized by a complete loss of cognitive ability and the absence of any active activity, except for the retention of some instinctive neurological reflexes and the ability to carry out metabolism of matter and energy.
The brainstem of the vegetative state is still functional and can digest and absorb nutrients delivered to the body, and can utilize these energies to maintain the body’s metabolism, including respiration, heartbeat, blood pressure, etc. The vegetative state also produces some instinctive reflexes to external stimuli, such as coughing, sneezing, yawning, etc. However, the organism is no longer capable of thinking and other body functions. However, the organism no longer has the higher nervous activities that are unique to the human body, such as thinking.
During EEG examination, the vegetative person can also have brain waves, which are mainly manifested as flat EEG or the appearance of resting potentials.
Vegetative part of the patient’s brain may also have a certain degree of consciousness, to do a good job of daily care, family members should turn the patient regularly every day to prevent the formation of pressure sores, diligent scrubbing. Massage the patient’s limbs to prevent muscle atrophy. Make full use of all kinds of stimulation to promote patients to wake up, such as chatting, storytelling, smell and taste stimulation.