About this topic
Altered mental status is not an illness. It is a term used to tell about how some health problem changes the way a persons brain acts. It is also used to tell about how awake and aware the person is. It is also called AMS. ‚
These terms help describe how awake and aware you are: ‚
- Mild confusion ¢ ˆ ’ You are disoriented, but easy to wake up.
- Delirium ¢ ˆ ’ You may have hallucinations or delusions.
- Obtunded ¢ ˆ ’ Your responses are slow. You are not able to fully wake up.
- Sleep-like state or daze ¢ ˆ ’ You have little response. You are not able to wake up.
- Comatose ¢ ˆ ’ You are not able to response. You are not able to wake up.
What are the causes?
Short-term causes of AMS include: ‚
- Drinking problem
- Drug poisoning or overdose
- Brain not getting the right amount of oxygen. This could turn into a long-term problem.
- Seizure disorder or epilepsy
- Bleeding, swelling, or high pressure inside the skull. This can be caused by a brain tumor or very bad head injury.
- Surgery
- Shock
- Infection
Long-term causes of AMS include: ‚
- Dementia ¢ ˆ ’ a brain disorder which causes loss of memory, learning skills, and problem-solving skills
- Certain long-term diseases like very bad liver or kidney disease, COPD, uncontrolled blood sugar
- Stroke ¢ ˆ ’ when blood supply to the brain is cut off
- Psychiatric health problem
What are the main signs?
- Feeling sleepy
- Feeling confused
- Feeling very nervous or troubled
- Change in how you see things
- Seeing things that are not there
- Not able to take care of yourself
- Loss of eye contact
- Not aware of where you are
- Coma ¢ ˆ ’ a sleep-like state from an illness or injury where you are not aware or awake
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and will do an exam. ‚
Some tests can help the doctor know if you have a change in mental status. A rating scale, called the Glasgow Coma Scale, is often used to find out how aware and awake you are. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Any change in mental status should be checked out by your doctor. Finding what caused the change will help decide the kind of care that is needed. ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚