Causes of Altered Level of Consciousness

Causes of Altered Level of Consciousness

· Structural: brain lesions that destroy tissue or occupy space that is normally occupied by the brain

· Epilepsy

· Tumors

· Trauma

· Cardiovascular: temporary or permanent interruption to the blood supply to the brain

· Vasovagal response

· CVA

· TIA

· Hypertensive encephalopathy

· Shock

· Dysrhythmias

· Metabolic: abnormally high or low levels of circulating metabolites

· Hypoxia

· Hypoglycemia

· Hyperglycemia

· Renal failure (uremia)

· Liver failure

· Infection (sepsis)

· Environmental: external factors that cause deterioration of central nervous system function

· Overdose

· Toxins

· Behavioral: abnormal mental status that results from internal factors

· Psychiatric disorders

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