Consciousness - decreased

Decreased consciousness is reduced alertness or awareness.

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

A persistent coma is called vegetative state.

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

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 stating that they have the condition. Avoid any circumstance that has previously triggered a seizure.

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

The doctor will perform a physical examination. The exam will include a detailed look at the cardiovascular and nervous system.

The health care team will ask questions about the person's medical history and symptoms, including

• Time pattern
  • When did the decreased consciousness occur?
  • How long did it last?
  • Has it ever happened before? If so, how many times?
  • Did the person behave the same way on previous episodes?
• Medical history
  • Does the person have known epilepsy or seizure disorder?
  • Does the person have diabetes?
  • Has the person been sleeping well?
  • Has there been a recent head injury?
• Other
  • What medications does the person take?
  • Does the person habitually use alcohol or drugs?
  • What other symptoms are present?

Tests that may be done include:

• Complete blood count or blood differential
• Electrolyte panel
• CT scan or MRI of the head
• ECG
• EEG
• Chest x-ray
• Urinalysis

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the decreased consciousness.