When a person is unaware of their surroundings and unable to respond, this is described as being unconscious.
What Is Unconsciousness?
Consciousness is a spectrum.
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Unconsciousness can occur suddenly, or it may develop gradually, depending on the cause.
Symptoms of unconsciousness include:
Associated symptoms are typically related to the cause.
Causes
Consciousness is a function of the brain.
An altered level of consciousness is a sign that a medical condition has affected brain function.
Many different medical conditions can affect consciousness.
For example,cardiac arrestleads to a sudden loss of consciousness because blood stops flowing to the brain.
In cardiac arrest, the brain isn’t the problemthe heart is.
However, the loss of consciousness is the indicator of the problem.
Any sudden loss of consciousness is a medical emergency.
Companions or bystanders should call 911 immediately.
Unconsciousness is not the same asbrain death.
Sometimes altered levels of consciousness, such as lethargy, can occur due to fluctuation of a chronic condition.
And a seizure can cause a person to be unconscious duringthe post-ictal state.
Treatment
Unconsciousness should always be treated as an emergency.Call 911 immediately.
Some other causes include brain injury, arrhythmia, and electrolyte imbalances.
Treatment and workup will be targeted to the likely causes.
Life-saving steps can be to check for arousability, breathing, and pulse.
Call for help (911).
Treatment involves urgent care to manage the immediate problem, as well as long-term care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes unconsciousness?
Any illness or condition that severely affects brain function can cause unconsciousness.
This can include head trauma, heart disease, breathing problems, infections, drugs, and more.
What is unconsciousness?
Unconsciousness is a lack of awareness and a lack of responsiveness.
How do you treat unconsciousness?
What are the stages of unconsciousness?
There are several definitions of stages of consciousness.
Full alertness is a state of normal consciousness.
Lethargy is an impaired state of consciousness.
Unconsciousness is a severely impaired state of consciousness.
Brain death is a state in which the brain is not functioning.
There are emergency protocols that first responders use when encountering a person who is unconscious.
Calling for help is your most important role as a companion or bystander.
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