A person in an unaware and unresponsive state has experienced injury to the brain.

Does unconsciousness cause brain damage?

People who are unconscious for a short time generally have had a less severe brain injury. As a result, they are likely to have a better recovery than people who are unconscious for a long time.

What happens to your body when you are unresponsive?

When a person is unresponsive, their muscles relax and their tongue can block their airway so they can no longer breathe. Tilting their head back opens the airway by pulling the tongue forward. If they are breathing, you will see their chest moving and you may hear their breath or feel it on your cheek.