Loss of Consciousness: What are the causes?

Loss of consciousness happens when a person suddenly becomes unresponsive to the surroundings and appears to be asleep. It may last only a few seconds, minutes or sometimes a long period of time. The person may not respond to stimuli, might stop breathing, or their pulse might even be indefinite.

Situations as such call for immediate care and attention. Providing first aid or getting medical help from your urgent care in Palm Springs is the best way to successful recovery.

Loss of consciousness is one of the conditions that can be cured in urgent care centers. To give you more information in regards to this, urgent care in Palm Springs will discuss its causes, signs and symptoms, and how you can perform first aid if this  happens.

What causes loss of consciousness?

Loss of consciousness occurs due to an ailment, injury or complication brought by long-term drug or alcohol use.

The common causes are:

• Vehicular accidents
• Severe loss of blood
• Strong blow to the chest or head
• Drug overdose
• Liquor poisoning

When a sudden change happens in the body it may cause a temporary loss of consciousness or fainting. The common causes include:

• Hyperventilation
• Dehydration
• Sudden force or straining
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Lack of blood flow in the brain
• Seizure, stroke or transient ischemic attack

What are the signs and symptoms of loss of consciousness?

At any given moment there are visible signs and symptoms a person may lose their consciousness and it indicates the following:

• Unresponsiveness
• Stammering speech
• Fast heartbeat
• Confusion
• Lightheadedness

How do you perform first aid for loss of consciousness?   

If you encounter a person who has lost their consciousness, urgent care in Palm Springs advises you to take these helpful, yet easy, steps:

• Check is the person is breathing. If there are no sign of breathing immediately call 911 or bring the person to the nearest urgent care center to receive proper care. If the person is breathing, make sure to position the person on their back.
• Raise the person’s legs approximately 12 inches above the ground.
• Loosen some clothing that may be restricting the passage of air, such as belt or other garments. If the person is still unconscious after a minute, call 911 and other emergency services.
• Check the person’s air passages to make sure there are no obstructions.
• Double check if the person is breathing, coughing, or moving. If they are, it is a good indication of positive circulation. If these signs are not present perform a CPR until emergency assistance arrives.
• If a major bleeding occurs, put direct pressure on the area until expert medical care arrives.

Remember to always call emergency experts or our urgent care center that is  near you to immediately receive proper medical care. An urgent care facility offers a more convenient way to receive care in emergency situations. You will be assisted with highly trained doctors without even having to set an appointment.                                                                                                                                                         

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.