Levels of Consciousness
Posted: Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 | Updated: Monday, February 7th, 2022
Posted: Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 | Updated: Monday, February 7th, 2022
Full Consciousness
Patient is awake, alert, and responds appropriately to stimuli
Disoriented
Patient appears to be confused and may not respond to your voice or stimulation appropriately. They may be restless, agitated, or dysphoric
Dull, Depressed, or Lethargic
Patient seems sluggish or sleepy overall, but still responds to your voice or stimulation easily
Obtunded
Patient displays extreme drowsiness. They minimally respond to your voice and require forceful stimulation to awaken
Stuporous
Patient rarely moves and appears comatose, but will respond to vigorous and repeated stimulation or pain
Comatose
Patient does not move or respond to your voice or any stimulation. They have lost consciousness and will not respond to pain
Patient is awake, alert, and responds appropriately to stimuli
Disoriented
Patient appears to be confused and may not respond to your voice or stimulation appropriately. They may be restless, agitated, or dysphoric
Dull, Depressed, or Lethargic
Patient seems sluggish or sleepy overall, but still responds to your voice or stimulation easily
Obtunded
Patient displays extreme drowsiness. They minimally respond to your voice and require forceful stimulation to awaken
Stuporous
Patient rarely moves and appears comatose, but will respond to vigorous and repeated stimulation or pain
Comatose
Patient does not move or respond to your voice or any stimulation. They have lost consciousness and will not respond to pain
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.