Blinking... is it a response to me or reflex - ICUsteps

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Blinking... is it a response to me or reflex

Blessings28 profile image
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My husband has been in an induced coma for 15 days and they turned the sedative off yesterday or the night before.his eyes are half open however it doesn't appear that hes actually seeing anything. It's like hes asleep but his eyes are half open. He will blink occasionally, more frequently today than yesterday, however he seems to blink faster when I talk to him. Has anyone had experience with a loved one coming out of an induced coma and they responded by blinking or is this just a natural reflex??

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Blessings28 profile image
Blessings28
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Copse77 profile image
Copse77

Keep taking to your husband. It will be reassuring and help his recovery. When you read my family story you will understand more. The kind consultant who looked after my brother shouted down his ear at top volume when he was unconscious and unresponsive and it was a brilliant thing for me to see my brothers eyes open briefly in response to his name being called. These were the little positive steps I made a note of to keep positive on days when he got new infections or there were other setbacks. Stay strong and keep taking to him when you can. Read ‘in Shock’ a book about an Intensive care lady doctor who experienced this herself when she was unconscious and not able to respond. She now advocates in the importance of empathy and good communication for medics.

Blessings28 profile image
Blessings28 in reply toCopse77

Thank so much for sharing your experience. It's ironic the nurse yesterday suggested I read In Shock so I'm picking it up at the library today. The dr who wrote it works at a hospital close to where I live. Thanks again. 💙

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