comma/not before 'like' [conjunction]: stared at him, like he had

[leetaicho]

I am confused as to whether the comma before 'like' should be added when 'like' is used in the sense of 'it was as if'.

Example:

"She stared at him blankly a few seconds, like he had triggered an intricate thought within her."

 

[cyberpedant]

No comma is needed here, but "as if" is better.