The person may enter a persistent vegetative state or brain death.

CNN: Coma

At the extreme end of the scale, the consequences of head injury are death, persistent vegetative state or severe physical and mental disablement.

BBC: Therapy

The new laws also prescribe the death penalty - which is carried out very rarely in India - in cases of rape that cause death or leave the victim in a vegetative state.

BBC: Indian bill on tough rape laws passed by parliament

The new law, however, provides for death penalty in cases of rape that leads to death or leaves the victim in a "persistent vegetative state".

BBC: India president approves tough rape laws

The powers conferred nearly always include the power to forgo or terminate medical care if, in the opinion of your physician, you are in a persistent vegetative state without hope of recovery, and medical care would only artificially delay your death.

FORBES: Estate Planning Overview and Objectives

Your health care durable power of attorney should express whether you wish to receive medical care if, in the opinion of your physician, you are in a persistent vegetative state without hope of recovery, and medical care would only artificially delay your death.

FORBES: Estate Planning Overview and Objectives