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Consciousness - decreased - Overview

Alternative Names

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

Definition of Consciousness - decreased:

Decreased consciousness is reduced alertness or awareness.

Considerations:

A persistent coma is called vegetative state.

Common Causes:

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

Reviewed last on: 8/6/2007
Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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