Until recently, human clinical trials with neuroprotective agents have failed, with the probable exception of deep barbiturate coma.

Several studies have supported this theory by showing reduced mortality when treating refractory intracranial hypertension with a barbiturate coma.

Second line alternatives include decompressive craniectomy (Jagannathan et al. found a net 65% favorable outcomes rate in pediatric patients), barbiturate coma, hypertonic saline and hypothermia.

Perhaps Hobson caused the Effect, or is dreaming all this in a barbiturate coma, or is in Hell or Purgatory.

Barbiturate comas are used to protect the brain during major neurosurgery, and as a last line of treatment in certain cases of status epilepticus that have not responded to other treatments.

Under the guise of merely treating pain, doctors may induce a "barbiturate coma," which, Mr. Tribe points out, has the dehumanizing effect of turning the patient into a decaying zombie.