Abstract
This article elucidates a stepwise approach to the patient with an acute alteration in the content or level of consciousness. The article begins with a discussion of the spectrum of diminished responsiveness. It then details which aspects of the history are important in obtaining an evaluation of these patients and reviews the neurologic examination of the comatose patient. A brief overview of the neuroanatomical localization of consciousness is provided. The differential diagnosis of diminished responsiveness is explored, followed by a discussion of the order and importance of laboratory, neuroimaging, and other ancillary tests.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 739-747 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Neurologic clinics |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2011 |
Keywords
- Coma
- Diagnosis
- Encephalopathy
- Evaluation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology