unconsciousness
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unconsciousness
[un-kon´shus-nes]an abnormal state of lack of response to sensory stimuli, resulting from injury, illness, shock, or some other bodily disorder. A brief loss of consciousness from which the person recovers spontaneously or with slight help is called syncope or faint. Deep, prolonged unconsciousness is known as coma. See also levels of consciousness.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
un·con·scious·ness
(ŭn-kon'shŭs-ness),An imprecise term for severely impaired awareness of self and the surrounding environment; most often used as a synonym for coma or unresponsiveness.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
un·con·scious·ness
(ŭn-kon'shŭs-nĕs)An imprecise term for severely impaired awareness of the self and the surrounding environment; most often used as a synonym for coma or unresponsiveness.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
unconsciousness
A state of unrousability caused by brain damage and associated with reduced activity in part of the BRAINSTEM called the reticular formation. Unconsciousness varies in depth from a light state, in which the unconscious person responds to stimuli by moving or protesting, to a state of profound coma in which even the strongest stimuli evoke no response. Causes include head injury, inadequate blood supply to the brain, fainting, asphyxia, poisoning, near drowning, starvation, low blood sugar (HYPOGLYCAEMIA) and severe KETOSIS.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
un·con·scious·ness
(ŭn-kon'shŭs-nĕs)An imprecise term for severely impaired awareness of self and surrounding environment; most often used as a synonym for coma.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012