Description
A change in awareness of a person's surroundings and/or impaired mental functioning. Also known as altered mental status. Treatable causes include: infection, adverse drug reaction, very high or very low blood sugar, low oxygen level, a blood electrolyte imbalance.
Symptoms
Altered thinking, difficulty concentrating, strange behavior, excessive sleepiness, decreased arousal.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests may include: a complete blood count, sugar level, electrolytes, liver and kidney function tests, cultures of blood and urine to look for infection. Usually a CT scan or MRI of the brain is done.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Toxicology screen, ethanol level, aspirin level
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests may include: a complete blood count, sugar level, electrolytes, liver and kidney function tests, cultures of blood and urine to look for infection. Usually a CT scan or MRI of the brain is done.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Toxicology screen, ethanol level, aspirin level
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
The goal of therapy is to first support vital body functions. This often includes intravenous fluids and oxygen if needed. At the same time, treatment is started to reverse identified offending problems. Protection from self-harm is also important.