Consciousness - decreased
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Stuporous; Mental status - decreased; Loss of alertness; Decreased consciousness; Alertness - decreased; Changes in consciousness; Obtundation; Coma
Many conditions can cause decreased consciousness, including:
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Arrhythmia
- Central nervous system diseases
- Decreased oxygen (hypoxia)
- Diabetic coma
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Exposure to heavy metals or hydrocarbons
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Ketoacidosis
- Head trauma
- Heart failure
- Hypoglycemia
- Infection
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Metabolic problems
- Seizures such as those related to epilepsy
- Shock
- Stroke
A decrease in consciousness almost always require a doctor's attention, except perhaps when due to alcohol intoxication, simple fainting, or a previously recognized seizure disorder.
See the article on seizures for tips on how to care for a person who is having a seizure.
Persons with epilepsy or other seizure disorder should carry a Medic-Alert bracelet or pendant stating that they have the condition. Avoid any circumstance that has previously triggered a seizure.
See medical help if someone has unexplained, decreased consciousness. Call your local emergency number (such as 911) if normal consciousness does not return quickly.
The doctor will perform a physical examination. The exam will include a detailed look at the cardiovascular and nervous system.
The health care team will ask questions about the person's medical history and symptoms, including
- Time pattern
- When did the decreased consciousness occur?
- How long did it last?
- Has it ever happened before? If so, how many times?
- Did the person behave the same way on previous episodes?
- Medical history
- Does the person have known epilepsy or seizure disorder?
- Does the person have diabetes?
- Has the person been sleeping well?
- Has there been a recent head injury?
- Other
- What medications does the person take?
- Does the person habitually use alcohol or drugs?
- What other symptoms are present?
Tests that may be done include:
- Complete blood count or blood differential
- Electrolyte panel
- CT scan or MRI of the head
- ECG
- EEG
- Chest x-ray
- Urinalysis
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the decreased consciousness.
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