Laverne

When sometime mentions comatose, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of a serene deep sleep, like the ones experienced by the two female characters in the artsy movie "Talk to Her." Or maybe you think of it as a retreat from the world from which one could wake from at any time and immediately continue on with life, similar to what Uma Thurman's character does in "Kill Bill." As you might have guessed by now, these portrayals of comas are entirely inaccurate and may actually be harmful to viewers who cannot see their faults.

A recent study published in medical journal Neurology suggests that misleading depictions of comatose in films can drastically effect real-life decisions and reactions to the tragedy (Edmonton Journal). For the study, thirty movies that include incidents of comatose were reviewed for their medical accuracy and for the audience reception they created. While twenty-eight of those scenes were deemed misrepresentative and inaccurate, almost 40% of the educated, mature audience admitted they had allowed the scenes to influence their perceptions of comas (Edmonton Journal). Certain misconceptions in movies may not necessarily need to be clarified, but when false representations form one's knowledge and understanding of a serious medical condition, real-life decisions could be influenced.

Family members and friends of comatose patients are fully aware of the harsh reality of the situation and how films gloss over the ugly truths of the condition. With not a lot of information circulating amongst the general public, ideas about comas are primarily based on movie portrayals. Unfortunately, this leads to incredible disappointment when medical doctors describe the rare and uncertain possibility of recovery. In reality, films do not prepare us for the ventilators, intravenous hookups, and tracheotomy and catheter tubes (Stephanie Watson). The public is not aware of the disturbing effects that long-term comas cause, such as deteriorated muscle, sallow and transparent skin, contracture of the feet and wrists, and weight loss (Canadian Press). After being exposed to the pristine, peaceful sleep of coma victims in films, seeing their loved one as a shell of their old self can be irreconcilable.

In most cases, the occurrence of a coma also involves severe brain damage (Edmonton Journal). Therefore, despite what films may imply, the patient is not going to suddenly wake up, stand, and proceed with life as normal. The bleak reality is if a comatose patient remains in a vegetative state for a month or longer, 90% will not improve and will likely remain in a state of severe disability (braininjury.com).

Movies have the right to be creative. No one is denying them that freedom. However, it seems their persuasive powers are much more powerful than we ever thought. In fact, this study shows how film depictions can actually influence our grasp of reality, effect real-life decisions and form our expectations. It seems as if the medical community is drawing a line between acceptable entertainment and tragic misinformation.

When it comes to real-life, do you put your faith in tried and tested Truth or flashy Hollywood hype? Sure, it's enjoyable to escape reality for a while and delve into the fantastical world of magic, glamour and impossibility, but sometimes it may cause more harm than good. Perhaps it's time we get a stronger grasp on reality before the bliss of ignorance eludes us entirely.

Emily Smit is a student at the University of Alberta and the Executive Producer of MyHealthVideo.com, a streaming video sites featuring interviews with health professionals (http://www.myhealthvideo.com)