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Unconsciousness - first aid

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Loss of consciousness - first aid; Coma - first aid; Mental status change; Altered mental status

Prevention:

• People with known medical conditions, such as diabetes , should always wear a medical alert tag or bracelet.
• Avoid situations where your blood sugar level gets too low.
• Avoid standing in one place too long without moving, especially if prone to fainting .
• If you feel like you are about to faint, lie down or sit with your head bent forward between you knees.

References:

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Noble J, ed. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine . 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

• Review Date: 1/16/2007
• Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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