A
barbiturate-induced coma, or
barb coma, is a temporary
coma (a deep state of
unconsciousness) brought on by a controlled dose of a
barbiturate drug, usually
pentobarbital or
thiopental. 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. Because patients are often seriously ill or injured, and are under general anesthesia and in a coma, careful airway management, which involves some form of mechanical ventilation, is needed.