Synopsis

For the public, a coma is a sleeping patient who we don't know if he'll ever wake up. And while the Greek kôma means "deep sleep", the medical reality is more complex. Drawing on the testimonies of doctors, researchers, families and patients, this documentary attempts to unravel the mysteries of the brain and consciousness... David, in a coma following a head injury, arrives at the hospital. Several months later, he gradually came back to life. So many moments of doubt, worry and happiness.... For Jill, the awakening process seems to have stopped. It will be examined by Europe's leading brain specialist: Steven Laureys. For the first time, it presents the tests that enable precise assessment of a patient's level of consciousness. Arnaud and Nicola, after weeks in a severe coma, woke up with some after-effects. At Garches, they underwent a lengthy rehabilitation program and made their slow return to life. Preview