Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
An altered level of 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. [3]
[1] [2] Differential diagnosis of these disorders is an active area of biomedical research. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] Finally, brain death results in an irreversible disruption of consciousness. [ 1 ] While other conditions may cause a moderate deterioration (e.g., dementia and delirium ) or transient interruption (e.g., grand mal and petit mal ...
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome can trigger a variety of symptoms throughout the body. Because MODS can impact any organ system, the specific symptoms experienced will depend on which organs are affected. Initially, these signs may be mild as the underlying illness progresses towards MODS.
AEIOU-TIPS is a mnemonic acronym used by some medical professionals to recall the possible causes for altered mental status.Medical literature discusses its utility in determining differential diagnoses in various special populations presenting with altered mental status including infants, [1] children, [2] adolescents, [3] and the elderly. [4]
Cases involving these symptoms are classified as functional disorders ("functional" in this context is usually contrasted with the old term "organic disease"). For example, in functional neurologic disorder (FND), those affected present with various neurological symptoms such as functional seizures, numbness, paresthesia, and weakness, among ...
One or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function. Clinical findings can provide evidence of incompatibility between the symptom and recognized neurological or medical conditions. Another medical or mental disorder does not better explain the symptom or deficit.
The diagnosis is essentially clinical, whereby the clinician undertakes a thorough medical and mental health history and physical examination. Diagnosis should be based on the nature of the presenting symptoms, and is a "rule in" as opposed to "rule out" diagnosis — this means it is based on the presence of positive symptoms and signs that ...
An altered state of consciousness (ASC), [1] also called an altered state of mind, altered mental status (AMS) or mind alteration, is any condition which is significantly different from a normal waking state. It describes induced changes in one's mental state, almost always temporary. A synonymous phrase is "altered state of awareness".