Unconsciousness - first aid

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

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


Symptoms

The person will be unresponsive (does not respond to activity, touch, sound, or other stimulation).

The following symptoms may occur after a person has been unconscious:

  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Inability to speak or move parts of his or her body (see stroke symptoms)
  • Light-headedness
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence)
  • Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Stupor


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)