Sometimes altered levels of consciousness, such as lethargy, can occur due to fluctuation of a chronic condition. For example, a person can have impaired consciousness due to very high or low blood sugar levels with diabetes. And a seizure can cause a person to be unconscious during the post-ictal state. Unconsciousness is treatable. Immediate treatment can result in improved awareness, and it can also prevent death or lasting health effects.
Treatment involves urgent care to manage the immediate problem, as well as long-term care. Many of these treatments can be started by first responders on the way to the emergency department. 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. Unconsciousness is a lack of awareness and a lack of responsiveness. You should call for emergency medical help, and in the meantime, you can administer CPR or other first aid if it is needed and if you know how to do it. 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. Unconsciousness is a sign of a serious medical problem that could cause death or disability.
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. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Maiese K. Overview of coma and impaired consciousness. Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated June We describe how to give CPR in the next section. If the person is moving, coughing, or breathing, this is a good sign. If none of these things happen, continue giving CPR until emergency assistance arrives. If something is visible at the back of the throat or high in the throat, and it is blocking the airway, try to remove it by using one finger to sweep the mouth.
Do not try to sweep away or grab anything that is not visible. If the person is not breathing and has something lodged in their throat, continue performing the chest compressions of CPR and checking to see whether the object has dislodged. If the unconscious person is bleeding heavily , locate the injury and place strong, direct pressure on the wounded area to slow the flow of blood. Anyone who knows how should apply a tourniquet above the bleeding area to slow the bleeding until emergency services arrive.
CPR is an emergency procedure to assist someone when they stop breathing and have no pulse. Only people with CPR training should give the rescue breath part of the procedure. To reduce the chances of injury, anyone without training should only perform chest compressions, in steps 1—7 below. Chest compressions also help oxygen circulate. Before starting CPR, try to wake the person again by calling their name loudly and asking if they are okay.
Lay the person on their back on any flat, hard surface. Protect their neck from big movements if it looks like they might have a spinal injury. Keeping your elbows straight, bring your shoulders forward over your hands to give you more upper body strength.
Using the weight and force of your upper body, push straight down on their chest. Press it down at least 2. This is one compression. Do continual sets of 30 compressions at a rate of about two per second, or — compressions per minute. Blow until you see their chest rise. This is one breath.
Perform two breaths, letting the lungs relax between breaths. Continue with the pattern of 30 compressions and two breaths until the emergency services arrive. There are also some things to avoid when administering first aid:.
Contact emergency services immediately if someone is unconscious. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR only after calling for help. It is especially important to seek help before performing CPR if the person:. Many circumstances can lead to unconsciousness, including major traumatic events and injuries.
Does not regain consciousness quickly ie, within 5 minutes. Has diabetes. Is pregnant. Is aged greater than Is having chest pain, pressure, discomfort, or a pounding or irregular heartbeat. Has a seizure. Experiences loss of bowel control. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Accessed Nov. Daroff RB, et al. Stupor and coma. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. Elsevier; Young GB.
0コメント