Consciousness - Decreased

What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the cardiovascular and nervous system.

Medical history questions documenting decreased consciousness in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it occur?
  • How long did the episode last?
  • Has it ever happened before?
    • How often?
    • Did the person behave the same way on previous episodes?
• associated conditions
  • Does the person have known epilepsy or seizure disorder?
  • Does the person have diabetes mellitus?
  • 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 also present?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies (such as CBC or blood differential measurement of electrolytes)
• CT scan or MRI of the head
• ECG
• EEG
• X-rays of the chest
• urinalysis

For seizure disorders, medications may be ordered. Surgery may be required to remove any tumor, scar, or abscess if one is causing epilepsy. Psychotherapy or counseling to understand and live with a seizure disorder may be recommended.