Stuporous; Mental status - decreased; Loss of alertness; Decreased consciousness; Changes in consciousness; Obtundation; Coma; Unresponsiveness DefinitionDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from which a person cannot be awakened. A long-term coma is called a vegetative state. CausesMany conditions can cause decreased alertness, including:
Brain disorders or injury, such as:
Injury or accidents, such as:
Heart or breathing problems, such as:
Toxins and drugs, such as:
Home CareGet medical help for any decrease in consciousness, even when it is due to alcohol intoxication, fainting, or a seizure disorder that has already been diagnosed. People with epilepsy or other seizure disorders should wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace describing their condition. They should avoid situations that have triggered a seizure in the past. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalGet medical help if someone has decreased alertness that cannot be explained. Call 911 or the local emergency number if normal alertness does not return quickly. What to Expect at Your Office VisitMost often, a person with decreased consciousness will be evaluated in an emergency room. The health care provider will perform a physical examination. The exam will include a detailed look at the heart, breathing, and nervous system. The health care team will ask questions about the person's medical history and symptoms, including: Time pattern
Medical history
Other
Tests that may be done include:
Treatment depends on the cause of the decreased alertness. How well a person does depends on the cause of the condition. The longer the person has had decreased alertness, the worse the outcome. ReferencesBerger JR, Price R. Stupor and coma. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 5. Lei C, Smith C. Depressed consciousness and coma. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 12. | |
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Review Date: 4/29/2023 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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