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.