EMQ: 29
Loss of consciousness
a)
Subdural haematoma
b)
Encephalitis
c)
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
d)
Status epilepticus
e)
Meningitis
f)
Intracerebral haemorrhage
g)
Hypoglycaemia
h)
Diabetic ketoacidosis
i)
Carbon monoxide poisoning
j)
Heroin overdose
1)
An 18 year old male who is an insulin dependent diabetic is brought
into casualty by his friends. He has been found unconscious in his room at the
university halls of residence in the morning. On examination he does not look
dehydrated, he is not rousable even when painful stimuli are used, his
respiratory rate is 15 breaths per minute and not deep.
2) An
80-year-old male who has been having frequent falls presents with a
fluctuating level of consciousness noted by the carers at the nursing home he
lives in. On clinical examination there are no neurological signs.
3) A 56-year-old male who
has hypertension for which he has not been taking medication presents with
a history of headache, nausea and vomiting and left sided weakness of
sudden onset.
4)
A 22-year-old university student is admitted with fever and a rash. On
examination he is febrile, has a haemorrhagic, rash he is drowsy and there is
neck stiffness.
5)
A 45-year-old female presents with a history of sudden onset occipital
headache followed by a deteriorating level of consciousness. On examination
there is neck stiffness.
