Unconsciousness

A state of unresponsiveness to external stimuli, absent awareness, and inability to maintain purposeful, voluntary behavior, typically resulting from dysfunction of the cerebral hemispheres or the ascending reticular activating system.

Causes

• Metabolic causes

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Dehydration

  • Hypoxia

  • Hypercapnia

  • Severe electrolyte disturbances

  • Sepsis

  • Endocrine disorders (adrenal crisis, myxedema coma)

• Drug and toxic causes

  • Sedatives

  • Illicit drugs

  • Alcohol poisoning

• Cardiovascular causes

  • Vasovagal syncope

  • Cardiac arrhythmias

  • Orthostatic hypotension

• Neurological causes

  • Seizure

  • Stroke

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Meningitis

  • Encephalitis