Crying - what does it mean?

[Mel-Bee]

So as of tomorrow we're at 6 months after hypoxic brain injury. My daughter has been in her care home for 2 months and has survived an assorted array of chest infections, catheter infections and the beginnings of pressure sores. (All inherited from her time in hospital and not down to the home, where the staff are excellent). When these young girls are worrying about fitting into their size 8 jeans I bet no-one thinks to warn them of the high risk of pressure sores from being so skinny, lol.

Suddenly last week she started crying. It has happened 3 times with no common trigger - not the same visitor, not the same activity or music playing. Does this mean anything? She still can't track with her eyes or do any consistent blink response, so there is otherwise no sign of anything that isn't reflexive.

Has anyone been here? Is the crying the sign of a change or breakthrough?

[Worriedfor]

Keep strong . Sounds maybe she’s showing signs of emotional awareness? Which is a good thing ? I pray she continues to get better .

[cat3]

Mel, apparently crying or laughing spontaneously in coma/PVS isn't unusual and is claimed, in every brain injury site, to have no significance ?

You're in the most horrible bind, and I can see how your mind will be shooting from one extreme to the other in wanting the best for your daughter.

I've been reading a good deal about a sleeping tablet (Zolpidem/Ambien) and how it's been used (successfully in some cases) to reawaken coma/PVS patients, for temporary periods (hours), repeated at intervals.

It apparently stimulates 'hibernating' cells in the brain and has, in some cases had amazing results, though still in experimental stage. Perhaps it could be tried, at least, as a diagnostic tool.

My niece was comatose for 9 months after a head-on collision from someone speeding over a hill on the wrong side of the road. She woke one day asking her dad (who gave up work to sit with her every day) "What's going on ?"...……...and, after rehab, went on to raise a family.

Wishing you strength m'dear. Love & hugs, Cat x

[steve55]

this is a common factor with a brain injury as is laughing at wrong times.

you have no control over your emotions, ive been walking down the street and for no reason what so ever just burst into tears.

im an ex forces veteran, so you can imagine how embarassed i feel!!!

steve x