body temperature would become very high. The brain cells would dry out, causing convulsions. The respiratory tract would dry out, and the thick secretions that would result could plug the lungs and cause death. At some point within five days to three weeks, the major organs, including the lungs, heart, and brain, would give out and the patient would die. References Davis, John Jefferson. "BROPHY vs. NEW ENGLAND SINAI HOSPITAL: Ethical Dilemmas in Discontinuing Artificial Nutrition and Hydration for Comatose Patients", Journal of Biblical Ethics in Medicine, Volume 1, Number 3. See also Euthanasia Terri Schiavo 1986 deaths 1937 births People with disorders of consciousness People with severe brain damage