Unconsciousness
A person who is unconscious is not aware of what is going on around
him or her. He or she may not be able to make purposeful movements.
A person may become unconscious from an injury or a health
condition.
- Fainting or a seizure disorder (epilepsy) may
cause unconsciousness that is usually brief.
- Heart problems, such
as stroke, heart attack, or changes in heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmia), can
block blood and oxygen to the brain and cause unconsciousness.
- Lack
of adequate oxygen, such as when there is too much carbon monoxide in the air a
person breathes, can cause a gradual unconsciousness.
- Head injuries
can "knock out" a person, making him or her unconscious.
- Any event
that leads to being in a coma, which is a deep, prolonged state of
unconsciousness. Diabetic coma, caused by very high or very low blood sugar, is
one type of coma.
- Alcohol or drug abuse or withdrawal can cause the
body to go into a state of shock that may cause unconsciousness. Heatstroke, an
injury, or a traumatic event can also cause shock and unconsciousness.
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