A clinical and investigative approach to the patient with diminished responsiveness.
Neurol Clin. 2011 Nov;29(4):739-47
Authors: Hocker S, Rabinstein AA
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.
PMID: 22032657 [PubMed - in process]