Poor circulation will cause hypoperfusion in the brain. Inadequate breathing will contribute to high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and respiratory acidosis. If there is a deficit in one of the patient’s ABCs that isn’t the primary cause, it will certainly make the patient worse if left untreated.Īn unstable airway will lead to hypoxia and central nervous system depression. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive yourself.Every step of the way, at every interaction with a health care provider including EMTs and medics, a diagnosis is madeĪvoid trying to discover the underlying reason for the patient’s ALOC before you do a primary assessment and treat any immediate life threats. Headache that will not go away after treatment.Change in vision, such as double vision, blurred vision, or trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.Trouble with muscle movements, such as swallowing, moving arms and legsĬall your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening:.Find ways to make your life less stressful.Ĭall emergency medical services or 911 if you have new or worsening:.Ask your provider about the benefits of talking to a dietician about the best healthy diet for you. If you are diabetic, consult a written diet plan and list of foods before you prepare snacks or meals.Drink enough fluids to keep your urine light yellow in color, unless you are told to limit fluids.Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Get plenty of rest while you’re recovering.Follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes.Talk with your provider about any questions or fears you have.ĭiet, Exercise, and Other Lifestyle Changes.Keep appointments for any routine testing you may need.Follow your provider’s instructions for follow-up appointments.If you are diabetic, maintain good control of your blood sugar.Reduce swelling in and around the brain and spinal cord.Your provider may prescribe medicine to:. Include any nonprescription medicines and supplements on the list. Carry a list of your medicines in your wallet or purse.Take your medicines exactly as your provider tells you to.Know what they look like, how much you should take each time, how often you should take them, and why you take each one. Your provider will give you a list of your medicines when you leave the hospital.Activities that put you at risk of injuring your head.Discuss with your healthcare provider the cause of your ALOC, and follow his or her advice on how to prevent it from happening again.Īny of the following factors can increase the risk of ALOC: How long it takes to get better depends on the cause of your ALOC, your treatment, how well you recover, your overall health, and any complications you may have. How can I take care of myself when I go home? The degree of confusion may get better or worse over time. Delirium, which means you have severe confusion and disorientation and may have delusions (belief in things that are not real) or hallucinations (sensing things that are not real).You may not know who or where you are or the time of day or year. Confusion, which means you are easily distracted and may be slow to respond. Coma, which looks as if you are asleep, but you can’t be awakened at all.You may not be able to talk or follow directions well, and you will fall back to sleep when left alone. Stupor, which means you are in a deep sleep unless something loud or painful wakes you up.You can usually talk and follow directions, but you may have trouble staying awake. Somnolent, which means you are sleeping unless someone or something wakes you up.Lethargic, which means you are drowsy and less aware or less interested in your surroundings.ALOC can be caused by a head injury, medicines, alcohol or drugs, dehydration, or some diseases, such as diabetes. Altered level of consciousness (ALOC) means that you are not as awake, alert, or able to understand or react as you are normally.
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