Level of consciousness

Content provided by Healthwise

Level of consciousness is a term used to describe a person's awareness and understanding of what is happening in his or her surroundings.

There are three main levels of consciousness:

Consciousness is an awake state, when a person is fully aware of his or her surroundings and understands, talks, moves, and responds normally.
Decreased consciousness is when a person appears to be awake and aware of surroundings (conscious) but is not responding normally. While in a state of decreased consciousness, a person may not answer when spoken to, stare straight ahead, and have no facial expression. Others may think the person is acting confused, odd, or sleepy. Later, the person may not be able to recall what happened.
Unconsciousness is when a person is not aware of what is going on and is not able to respond normally to things that happen to and around him or her.
- Fainting is a brief form of unconsciousness.
- Coma is a deep, prolonged state of unconsciousness.
- General anesthesia is a controlled period of unconsciousness.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Updated	February 27, 2007

Last updated:	February 27, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.