Unconsciousness

What is unconsciousness?

Unconsciousness means that a person is unresponsive to stimuli, does not respond to contact, does not respond to loud noises or shaking - visually it seems that they are asleep.

A person can be unconscious for a few seconds or much longer.

If you witness a situation where a person has lost consciousness, call an ambulance.

The following symptoms may appear before losing consciousness:

• The person is suddenly unable to respond;

• Slurred speech;

• Rapid heartbeat;

• Confusion;

• Dizziness or a feeling of fainting.

Common causes include:

• A car accident;

• Severe bleeding;

• A blow to the chest or head;

• Overdose;

• Alcohol intoxication.

A person may temporarily lose consciousness due to sudden changes in the body, in particular, the cause may be:

• Low blood sugar;

• Low blood pressure;

• Neurological syncope;

• Dehydration;

• Hyperventilation;

• Heart rhythm problems;

• Stress.

If a person is unconscious for a long time, the risk of pathologies such as coma and brain damage increases significantly.

In the case of sudden loss of consciousness, the risk of fracture or choking (food or liquid can block the airway) should also be considered.

Source:

https://www.healthline.com/health/unconsciousness-first-aid