loss of consciousness

Question 1

consciousness maintained by

Answer 1

good bp
sufficient glucose
sufficient O2
if any of these fail -> loss of consciousness

Question 2

syncope

Answer 2

‘short power cut’
temporary depressed cortical activity

causes: vagal stimulation (stress), dehydration
presentation: sweaty/clammy, palpitations, PALLOR, floppy
after: brief disorientation only - can almost regain all normal fn instantaneously

Question 3

seizure

Answer 3

‘power surge’
inappropriately increased electrical activity
longer -> lasts for a few minutes

causes: sleep deprivation, alcohol
presentation: stiff, limbs jerking
after: prolonged disorientation and sleepiness (cause during the fit used a lot of energy)

Question 4

cause of seizures

Answer 4

1. prolonged inadequate perfusion
   - hypotension
   - hypoglycemia
   - hypoxia
   - electrolyte/metabolic imbalances
2. cortical irritation ??
   - infection
   - tumour/ scarring
   - bleeding
   - drugs

Question 5

syncope investigation

Answer 5

only investigated if recurrent 
cardiac monitoring (ECG/ holter - measures heart's activity: rate and rhythm)

Question 6

seizure investigation

Answer 6

electrolytic abnormalities (renal panel)
infective precipitant (using FBC, culture)
electrical abnormalities (EEG)
structural abnormalities in brain (MRI)