Differential Diagnosis and Management of Disturbance of Consciousness:Approach to Comatose Patients

Abstract

Disorders of consciousness are among the most common symptoms in neurosurgery. A coma is an acute dysfunction of the nervous system that governs arousal and awareness and represents a medical emergency. Prompt evaluation and treatment of comas are fundamental in clinical practice. The first step is stabilizing the airway, breathing, and circulation while protecting the cervical spine to prevent secondary neurological injury. Subsequently, a focused neurological examination is performed. The level of consciousness, brainstem reflexes, respiratory patterns, motor responses, and muscle tone should be evaluated. Any asymmetry should be carefully considered. Acute disturbances of consciousness primarily impair arousal. The Japan and Glasgow Coma Scales are the most commonly used. The Emergency Coma Scale was designed by incorporating the advantages of each. The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score incorporates brainstem reflexes and breathing patterns. Clinicians must have an organized approach to detect remediable causes, prevent neurological injury, and determine a hierarchical course of diagnostic testing, treatments, and neuromonitoring.