Loss of consciousness - first aid; Coma - first aid; Mental status change; Altered mental status

• Avoid situations where your blood sugar level gets too low.
• Avoid standing in one place too long without moving, especially if you are prone to fainting.
• Get enough fluid, particularly in warm weather.
• If you feel like you are about to faint, lie down or sit with your head bent forward between your knees.

People with known medical conditions, such as diabetes, should always wear a medical alert tag or bracelet.

Smith J, Seirafi J. Delirium and dementia. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 102.

Kothari RU, Crocco TJ, Barsan WG. Stroke. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 99.

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Unconsciousness Treatment

Review Date: 07/08/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)