Altered Mental Status 12-03-07

Metabolic Causes Affects both sides of the brain equally Originate outside the CNS Physical findings are generally bilateral and diffuse rather then one sided and localized.

Affects both sides of the brain equally

Originate outside the CNS

Physical findings are generally bilateral and diffuse rather then one sided and localized.

External Problems Poisoning a group of acute illnesses due to ingestion of contaminated food. It may result from allergy; toxemia from foods, such as those inherently poisonous or those contaminated by poisons; foods containing poisons formed by bacteria; or foodborne infections. Overdoses

Poisoning a group of acute illnesses due to ingestion of contaminated food. It may result from allergy; toxemia from foods, such as those inherently poisonous or those contaminated by poisons; foods containing poisons formed by bacteria; or foodborne infections.

Overdoses

External Problems Alcohol on the brain includes difficulty walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired memory

Alcohol on the brain includes difficulty walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired memory

Environmental Conditions

External Problems Infectious organisms that invade the CNS Bacteria Virus

Infectious organisms that invade the CNS

Bacteria Virus

Internal Problems Respiratory conditions hypoxia Circulatory conditions hypoperfusion

Respiratory conditions hypoxia

Circulatory conditions hypoperfusion

Hypoxia and Hypoperfusion Hypoxia- a shortage of oxygen in the blood. Hypoperfusion- decreased blood flow through an organ, as in circulatory shock. If prolonged, it may result in permanent cellular dysfunction and death.

Hypoxia- a shortage of oxygen in the blood.

Hypoperfusion- decreased blood flow through an organ, as in circulatory shock. If prolonged, it may result in permanent cellular dysfunction and death.

Internal Problems Low blood sugar: It occurs when the level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood drops too low to give the body energy. The medical condition of low blood sugar occurs when all 3 of the following are present: Blood sugar is low. Low blood sugar is causing symptoms. The symptoms go away when blood sugar returns to normal.

Low blood sugar:

It occurs when the level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood drops too low to give the body energy. The medical condition of low blood sugar occurs when all 3 of the following are present:

Blood sugar is low.

Low blood sugar is causing symptoms.

The symptoms go away when blood sugar returns to normal.

Internal Problems Failure of Liver of Kidney’s Buildup of Toxic substances

Failure of Liver of Kidney’s

Buildup of Toxic substances