Level

Level of consciousness (LOC) is a measurement of a person's arousability and responsiveness to stimuli from the environment. A mildly depressed level of consciousness or alertness may be classed as lethargy; someone in this state can be aroused with little difficulty. People who are obtunded have a more depressed level of consciousness and cannot be fully aroused. Those who are not able to be aroused from a sleep-like state are said to be stuporous. Coma is the inability to make any purposeful response. Scales such as the Glasgow coma scale or Ranchos Los Amigos Scale are used to measure the level of consciousness.

Causes

Changes in consciousness can result from a variety of factors, including alterations in the chemical environment of the brain (e.g. exposure to poisons or intoxicants), insufficient oxygen or blood flow in the brain, and excessive pressure within the skull. Prolonged unconsciousness is understood to be a sign of a medical emergency. A sudden decrease in consciousness is often considered to be a sign of a serious medical condition and may require the intervention of a medical professional.

Assessment

The level of consciousness is often assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which is based on the patient's ability to open their eyes, respond verbally, and respond to stimuli by moving. The GCS is scored between 3 and 15, with 3 being the worst possible score, indicating a deep level of unconsciousness, and 15 being the best possible score, indicating full consciousness.

Treatment

Treatment for altered levels of consciousness usually involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve medication to treat infections, surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, or other interventions. In some cases, a person with an altered level of consciousness may need to be hospitalized.

See also

• Coma
• Glasgow Coma Scale
• Ranchos Los Amigos Scale
• Traumatic brain injury

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