90s star Samuel Monroe Jr., best known for his role in the 1993 film Menace II Society, remains critically ill in a Los Angeles hospital. His family is now facing the possibility that he may end up in a vegetative state. According to the latest update shared by his wife, Shawna Stewart, Monroe is in a medically induced coma and remains on life support. Doctors have said that he could ultimately be left in that life state as complications in his brain continue to worsen. What Happened To Samuel Monroe Jr.? Samuel's health crisis reportedly began with meningitis. Stewart previously said he contracted the infection while filming in Las Vegas around 18 months before his hospitalization, but the illness was repeatedly misdiagnosed. “Because of this negligence, the meningitis went untreated for eight months,” Stewart said. She also said that by the time it was diagnosed, the infection had spread to his spine and brain. His condition later became more complicated after he developed MRSA pneumonia, a serious infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. He needed life support, dialysis, and multiple blood transfusions for several months. There was some improvement in his health in May. His kidney function improved enough for doctors to stop dialysis; he was taken off blood-pressure medication and was able to breathe without a ventilator for about four hours. He was also reportedly alert and well enough to answer questions by moving his head. But that phase did not last. Also read: Alex Hughes: Former Manchester United Star’s Son Dies of Sudden Adult Death SyndromeWhat Does Vegetative State Mean? A vegetative state is different from a coma, although both involve severe impairment of consciousness. A person in a vegetative state may have periods of wakefulness, like opening their eyes, but may not show any sign of awareness of themselves or their surroundings. Basic functions like breathing and sleep-wake cycles can continue. Importantly, doctors cannot determine an individual's neurological outcome from one symptom alone. The extent and location of brain injury, neurological examinations and repeated imaging, and other assessments are considered. Also read: Donald Trump Mulls Order Targeting Childhood Vaccines And AutismSamuel Monroe Jr's Family Faces A Challenging Decision Stewart told TMZ that Monroe’s brain continues to swell and that his brain ventricles have enlarged and are struggling to properly contain cerebral fluid. The pressure and complications in his brain have triggered seizures. Monroe has undergone three brain surgeries, while his left lung has also partially collapsed. Doctors are continuing to perform CT scans to assess his brain activity and condition. Brain swelling is particularly dangerous as the skull is a rigid body part. When fluid or swelling increases inside it, pressure can rise and potentially damage brain tissue. Severe or prolonged swelling can affect consciousness, movement, communication, and other essential neurological functions. According to reports, Monroe’s family is not making an immediate decision about his life support. Stewart said the family has agreed to wait for three or four more CT scans before making a decision. Depending on those scans, the family may have to take the decision of withdrawing life support.