Du coma et de l’éveil : reprise de conscience et image du corps en réanimation

Abstract

GoalsComatose patients are admitted to the intensive care unit. The article pays attention, during the fluctuating phase of coming out of a coma until fully awakening, to unconscious bio-metabolic manifestations, sensations, perceptions, and mental images accompanying the recovery of consciousness; I also consider caregivers’ practices. MethodologyThe patients’ verbal statements are collected in situation, exposing their anxious, interrogative, critical “words” through difficult verbal and graphic communication with the caregivers. ResultsPatients also discover an unprecedented intero/exteroceptive sensitivity due to an augmented, assisted (with the use of a respirator, among others), penetrated, inverted, hybrid body, which leads them to experience a state of dependence that confuses their sense of self. DiscussionHow do patients experience the “gap of being” due to the comatose period; how do they then recover from the regressive process to full consciousness? How can caregivers communicate with inert comatose patients, and interact with them – apart from the technical aspects of care – and in reference to which vitality of being? How do they support them through the different phases of awakening? ConclusionTo emerge from a coma in intensive care unit, for patients; and, for caregivers, to rub shoulders with death, to bring together professional gestures and humanist attitudes, makes the testimonies and the experiences of all parties remarkable.