Disorders of consciousness Flashcards
ARAS input
visual, auditory, sensory
arousal
overall state of activity
lethargy
slight reduction in alertness
obtunation
moderate reduction in alertness
delirium
sudden disturbance in consciousness and mental function
stupor
respond only to vigorous stimuli
altered mental status
imprecise term for any of the descriptors
2 main mechanisms of coma
diffuse insult to both cerebral hemispheres
disruption on the ARAS in the midbrain and pons
coma characteristics
no awareness, no sleep cycle or purposeful behavior
vegetive state characteristics
sleep wake cycles only
minimally conscious state
sleep wake cycles, partial fluctuating awareness, reproducible purposeful behavior
locked-in syndrome
sleep wake cycles, awareness and movement is limited to eye movements
diagnostic workup for disorder of consciousness
blood tests, IV access, hook up to monitor, administer oxygen
which things should be checked and treated immediately
hypoglycemia: dextrose 50% IV
thiamine for alcoholic
Naloxone for drug overdose
small pupils
opioid toxicity and pontine lesion
midsize pupils, unresponsive to light
midbrain lesion