Altered level of consciousness

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Altered level of consciousness
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Confusion, disorientation, lethargy, stupor, coma
Complications	Brain damage, seizures, aspiration pneumonia
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Traumatic brain injury, stroke, intoxication, metabolic disorders, infection
Risks	Head injury, substance abuse, diabetes, hypertension
Diagnosis	Physical examination, neurological examination, imaging studies (CT scan, MRI)
Differential diagnosis	Syncope, seizure, hypoglycemia, intoxication
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on the underlying cause; may include medication, surgery, supportive care
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies depending on cause and severity
Frequency	Common in emergency medicine
Deaths	N/A

Altered Level of Consciousness (ALOC)

An Altered Level of Consciousness (ALOC) refers to a state where a person's sense of awareness and wakefulness is significantly different from the normal baseline. This condition encompasses a spectrum of disorders of consciousness, from minimal responsiveness to complete unresponsiveness, and can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Brain scan showing areas potentially affected in cases of ALOC.

Overview

ALOC can manifest as confusion, delirium, stupor, coma, or in states of hyperalertness. It is not a disorder in itself but a symptom of various medical conditions affecting the brain.

Causes

Several factors can lead to ALOC, including but not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Infections affecting the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Drug and alcohol intoxication
• Metabolic imbalances
• Lack of oxygen (hypoxia)

EEG monitoring being used to assess brain activity in ALOC patients.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ALOC vary depending on the underlying cause but commonly include:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Inability to focus or sustain attention
• Slurred speech or inability to speak
• Changes in breathing patterns
• Sudden mood or behavioral changes

Diagnosis

Diagnosing ALOC involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and neurological assessments, including:

• Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to evaluate consciousness level
• Blood tests to check for infections, toxins, and metabolic issues
• Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to look for brain injury or abnormalities
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect electrical activity in the brain indicative of seizures

Treatment

Treatment for ALOC is targeted at the underlying cause and may involve:

• Medications to address infections, seizures, or metabolic imbalances
• Surgery to relieve pressure on the brain from injuries or tumors
• Supportive care for breathing, nutrition, and hydration

Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

ALOC is considered a medical emergency. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent brain damage or death.

See Also

• Consciousness
• Coma
• Delirium
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke

External Links

• Mayo Clinic: Unconsciousness, First Aid
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Disorders of Consciousness Fact Sheet

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