Coma is the most severe form of unresponsiveness, in which a patient is totally unaware of self and surroundings. With the patient so disengaged during examination, management can be particularly challenging. What steps should the primary care physician take to ensure the most appropriate care for a comatose patient? In this article, Drs Malik and Hess describe an evaluation plan, laboratory studies, and treatment options and discuss the prognosis associated with coma. Malik K, Hess DC. Evaluating the comatose patient: rapid neurologic assessment is key to appropriate management.