What type of EEG pattern is typically not expected in a coma state?

Alpha waves are typically associated with an alert, wakeful state and relaxed but attentive mental activity. In contrast, a coma state is characterized by significantly altered consciousness and brain function. In this condition, the EEG generally shows patterns such as delta waves or other slow-wave activity, which reflect the brain's reduced activity and responsiveness.

In a coma, one would more likely observe delta waves indicating reduced cortical responsiveness, theta waves which may reflect some level of brain activity, or low voltage fast activity often found in certain types of seizures or brain dysfunction. Alpha waves, which generally signal a functioning brain engaged in relaxation while awake, would not be expected in a coma. The lack of alpha waves underscores the substantial impairment of neurological function characteristic of this state.