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- NCBI National Institutes of Health: Levels of Consciousness
- NCBI National Institutes of Health: Levels of Consciousness
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The human brain can adjust its level of alertness as needed through information gained from sensory organs. But when outside agencies come into contact with the brain stem, altered levels of consciousness may be unavoidable 3. Obtundation, or a general reduction in alertness, can often lead to stupor if medical attention is not quickly administered.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Obtunded
According to the Merck online medical library, the term "obtunded," a form of obtundation, is an imprecise way to describe someone whose alertness or consciousness is moderately reduced 3. The National Institute of Health classifies obtundation as similar to lethargy and describes an obtunded patient as having lessened interest in the environment and slower responses to stimulations.
Stupor
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Stupor is a state from which someone can only be aroused, only briefly, by extreme stimulation, such as shaking or pinching. It differs from a coma, from which a person cannot be aroused. According to the NIH, patients in stupor will, unless stimulated, lapse back into an unresponsive state.
Causes
Some drugs, and even minor physical ailments such as dehydration, can cause elderly persons to become stuporous, but altered consciousness has dozens of possible causes for people of any age.
Diagnosis
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Because doctors may not be able to communicate with a patient whose consciousness is altered, family and friends must communicate their knowledge of any drug or alcohol use by the patient. Someone who has overdosed on drugs, for example, may be obtunded but able to communicate. A patient who can only intermittently be aroused is said to be in stupor.
A physical examination, including a body temperature reading, is conducted first to determine possible causes. Stimuli isthen be applied; if the patient reacts, consciousness is not severely affected. Abnormal breathing patterns or reactions to reflex stimulation can also help determine levels of alertness.
- Because doctors may not be able to communicate with a patient whose consciousness is altered, family and friends must communicate their knowledge of any drug or alcohol use by the patient.
Related Articles
References
- Merck: Stupor and Coma
- NCBI National Institutes of Health: Levels of Consciousness
- Huntley A. Documenting level of consciousness. Nursing. 2008;38(8):63-64. doi:10.1097/01.NURSE.0000327505.69608.35
- Tufts Medical Center. Altered level of consciousness.
- Cleveland Clinic. Delirium. Updated November 9, 2016.
- Maiese K. Overview of coma and impaired consciousness. Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated June 2019.
- Opara JA, Małecka E, Szczygiel J. Clinimetric measurement in traumatic brain injuries. J Med Life. 2014;7(2):124-127.
- Reith FCM, Lingsma HF, Gabbe BJ, Lecky FE, Roberts I, Maas AIR. Differential effects of the Glasgow Coma Scale Score and its components: An analysis of 54,069 patients with traumatic brain injury. Injury. 2017;48(9):1932-1943. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2017.05.038
- Vasilevskis EE, Chandrasekhar R, Holtze CH, et al. The cost of ICU delirium and coma in the intensive care unit patient. Med Care. 2018;56(10):890-897.
Writer Bio
Mark D. Peters has been a working journalist since 1985. He served 12 years as senior editor for Intercounty Newspaper Group and oversaw editorial operations for three of its weekly newspapers. He has also been published in "The Philadelphia Inquirer" and "Golf Digest Index." Peters has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Rowan University.