Consciousness - decreased
Definition
Decreased consciousness is reduced alertness or awareness.
Alternative Names
Stuporous; Mental status - decreased; Loss of alertness; Decreased consciousness; Alertness - decreased; Changes in consciousness; Obtundation; ComaConsiderations
A persistent coma is called vegetative state.
Causes
Many conditions can cause decreased consciousness, including:
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Arrhythmia
- Central nervous system diseases
- Decreased oxygen (hypoxia)
- Diabetic coma
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Exposure to heavy metals or hydrocarbons
- Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Ketoacidosis
- Head trauma
- Heart failure
- Hypoglycemia
- Infection
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Metabolic problems
- Seizures such as those related to epilepsy
- Shock
- Stroke
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