Life Support turned off but is breahing on her own?

Question

Our friend had her life support turned off but started breathing on her own. She is in a coma and there is no brain activity. I was wondering what happens now. If she is breathing herself doesnt that mean the brain is telling her to do that?

I am terrified they are going to euthanise her, but I thought that was illegal especially since she is breathing herself. Don't want to lose her. please help...

Answer 1

Speak with Doctor or consultant - however, I am afriad it is not your business unless you are family - speak with the family - take care.

Answer 2

If she has some sort of a breathing pattern, then yes, there is still some brain activity left.  They cannot "euthanise" her.  They probably just changed her status to "comfort measures only", meaning that her end is sadly near.  There may just be too much irreversible damage to her brain for her to recover.

The guidelines to determine brain death vary a little.  Some just require that there is no brain stem activity and this can be determined by testing for a response to pain and testing the cranial nerve reflexes (this includes testing for spontaneous breathing...which you friend obviously has)   Some require that two EEG's be done 24 hours apart and have the same flat line result.  

I would think that your friend is possibly in the persistent vegetative state and her family has decided not to prolong her life on life support.  

She could surprise you and last a little while longer, but once in this stage, the odds are against her.  

Sorry that you are experiencing this.  My prayers are with you and your friend.

Answer 3

They will not euthanize her.  She will die on her own when the time is right.  I am sorry for your friend.  Keep praying however miracles happen every day.