Consciousness - decreased Health Article

Definition

Decreased consciousness is reduced alertness or awareness.

Alternative Names

Stuporous; Mental status - decreased; Loss of alertness; Decreased consciousness; Alertness - decreased; Changes in consciousness; Obtundation; Coma; Unresponsiveness

Considerations

A persistent coma is called vegetative state.

Common Causes

Many conditions can cause decreased consciousness, including:

• Alcohol intoxication
• Drug intoxication (particularly opiates, narcotics, sedatives, and anti-anxiety or seizure medications)
• Arrhythmia
• Brain disorders
• Central nervous system diseases
• Lack of oxygen (hypoxia)
• Abnormal blood sugars (diabetic coma)
• Electrolyte or mineral imbalance
• Exposure to heavy metals or hydrocarbons
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Ketoacidosis
• Head trauma
• Heart failure
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Increased carbon dioxide levels (hypercarbia) often seen in emphysema
• Infection
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Metabolic disorders
• Thyroid or adrenal gland disorders
• Seizures such as those related to epilepsy
• Shock
• Stroke

Home Care

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 describing their condition. Such individuals should avoid situations that have previously triggered a seizure.

Call your health care provider if

See medical help if someone has unexplained, decreased consciousness. Call your local emergency number (such as 911) if normal consciousness does not return quickly.