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1. THE UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT NPFXH
MBBS,FRCS,FCEM
2. Coma A state of deep, often prolonged unconsciousness, usually the result of injury, disease, or poison, in which an individual is incapable of sensing or responding to external stimuli and internal needs
3. Coma Unconsciousness = Immediate Life Threat
Loss of airway
Aspiration
4. Coma Management of ABCs must come before investigation of cause
5. Airway Open, clear, maintain
If trauma present or no history available, immediately control C-spine
6. Breathing Assess presence, adequacy
High concentration O2 (15Lmin-1via reservoir bag mask) immediately on all patients with decreased LOC
Assist if respiratory rate, tidal volume inadequate
7. Circulation Pulses?
Perfusion?
8. After ABCs stabilized. . . Quickly investigate cause
DEFG
9. D = Depth of coma What does patient respond to?
How does patient respond?
10. E = Eyes Pupils equal, dilated, constricted,
Responsive to light?
How?
11. R = Respiratory pattern Rate?
Unusually deep or shallow?
Altered pattern?
12. M = Motor Function Evidence of paralysis?
Movement on stimulation?
How?
13. Vital Signs Shock?
Increased ICP?
Arrhythmias?
14. Head to Toe Survey Injuries causing coma?
Injuries caused by fall?
What do the scene, bystanders tell you?
15. Possible Causes Not enough oxygen
Not enough sugar
Not enough blood flow to deliver O2, sugar
Direct brain injury
Structural (trauma)
Metabolic (toxins, infections, temperature)
16. Possible Causes Alcohol
Epilepsy
Insulin
Overdose
Uremia (and other metabolic causes) Trauma
Infection
Psychiatric
Stroke, syncope
17. Causes of unconsciousness Focal signs
Trauma
Intracranial bleed
Cerebral contusion
Vascular (SAH, Stroke)
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Stroke
Space occupying lesion
Tumour
Abscess
Diffuse Signs
Infection
Metabolic/Endocrine
Acid-base disturbance
Hyper/hyponatraemia
Hyper/hypoglycaemia
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hypothyroidism
Toxic
Alcohol
Recreational drugs
Overdose
Hypothermia: causes coma when T<320 C
Hyperthermia: causes coma when T>420C
18. Investigations BM stick
ECG
ABG
Temperature
Electrolytes
?CT head
?lumbar puncture
19. Management Secure airway
Protective reflexes may be lost
Immobilize spine unless absolutely certain injury not present
Spinal injury not suspected - patient on left side
20. Management High concentration O2
Assist ventilation as needed
Monitor neurological/vital signs every 5 minutes
21. Management Protect patients eyes (tape shut, moist pads)
Patient may hear, understand even though unable to respond
Treat, reassure accordingly