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Unconsciousness - First Aid
Alternate Names : Altered Mental Status, Coma - First Aid, Loss of Consciousness - First Aid, Mental Status Change
Definition
Unconsciousness is a state of unawareness (loss of consciousness) in which the person is unable to respond to people and other stimuli around him or her. Often, this is called a coma or being in a comatose state.
There are other changes in your level of awareness that can occur without becoming unconscious, or before becoming unconscious. Medically, these changes are collectively called "Altered Mental Status or Changed Mental Status." Such changes include sudden confusion, disorientation, or stupor.
Unconsciousness and any other SUDDEN change in mental status must be treated as a medical emergency.
If someone is awake but less alert than usual, an easy way to test for change in mental status is to ask a few simple questions -- What is your name? What is the date? How old are you? If the person doesn't know or answers incorrectly, then his or her mental status is diminished.
Pictures & Images
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Overview & Considerations
Being asleep is not the same thing as being unconscious. A sleeping person will respond to loud noises or gentle shaking -- an unconscious person will not.
An unconscious person cannot cough or clear his or her throat. This can lead to death if the airway becomes obstructed. Again, loss of consciousness or sudden change in level of consciousness must be treated as a medical emergency.
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• Definition
• Overview & Considerations
• Causes
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• First Aid
• Do Not
• Call Immediately for Emergency Medical Assistance if
• Pictures & Images
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Review Date : 8/12/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (02/11/2002).
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