A decreased level of consciousness correlates to increased morbidity (sickness) and mortality (death). A deficit in the level of consciousness could mean that the cerebral hemispheres or the reticular activating system have been injured. Prolonged unconsciousness is a sign of a medical emergency. People who are obtunded have a more depressed level of consciousness and cannot be fully aroused. Those who are not able to be aroused from a sleep-like state are said to be stuporous. Coma is the inability to make any purposeful response. Scales such as the Glasgow coma scale have been designed to measure the level of consciousness.ĪLOC can result from various factors, including changes in the brain chemistry (e.g., exposure to poison or intoxicants), insufficient oxygen or blood flow in the brain, or excessive pressure on the brain. A mildly depressed level of alertness may be classified as lethargy, a state where a person may be aroused with little difficulty. Level of consciousness is a measurement of a person’s responsiveness to stimuli from the environment. An altered level of consciousness is any measure of arousal or stimulation other than normal. Altered Level of Consciousness Definition What is Altered Level of Consciousness? Stupor and coma are rated according to how severe the symptoms are. Coma: you’re asleep, but you cannot be awakened at all.You may not be able to talk or follow directions well, and you will fall back to sleep when left alone. Stupor: you are in a deep sleep unless something loud or painful wakes you up.Obtunded or lethargic: you are tired and less aware or less interested in your surroundings.You can usually talk and follow directions, but you may have trouble staying awake. Somnolent: you are sleeping unless someone or something wakes you up.
The degree of confusion may get better or worse over time.
ALOC can be caused by a head injury, medicines, alcohol, drugs, dehydration, and even some diseases, such as diabetes. (Click here for our list of the most common EMS Emergencies for EMTs and Paramedics).Īn altered level of consciousness (ALOC) means that you are not as awake, alert, or able to understand as you normally. Learn How EMTs & Paramedics Identify, Treat and Care for Patients with Altered Level of Consciousness EmergenciesĪn altered level of consciousness is the seventh most common emergency that EMS professionals respond to, accounting for almost 7% of all EMS calls.
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