Stupor

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Stupor

Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Stupor is the lack of critical cognitive function and level of consciousness wherein a sufferer is almost entirely unresponsive and only responds to base stimuli such as pain. akinesis and mutism are present but with relative preservation of conscious awareness. A person is also rigid and mute and only appears to be conscious as the eyes are open and follow surrounding objects (Gelder, Mayou and Geddes 2005).

Historical Perspective

The word derives from the Latin stupure, meaning insensible.

Differential Diagnosis of Underlying Causes

In alphabetical order:

• Brain tumor
• Depression
• Hypertensive encephalopathy
• Hypothermia
• Infectious diseases, complicated by sepsis
• Mental illness
• Schizophrenia
• Vitamin D deficiency

Differentiating stupor from other conditions

Stupor is not the same thing as a coma or a vegetative state. For example, some people who become injured suddenly with a concussion or some other cognitive impairment resulting from injury enter a stupor, where they are partially aware of their surroundings, or they become unconscious until they are revived by themselves or by others. This is often mistaken for delirium and treated with Haldol and or other anti-psychotic drugs.

Diagnosis

Symptoms

If not stimulated externally, a patient with stupor will be in a sleepy mode most of the time. In some extreme cases of severe depressive disorders the patient can become motionless, lose their appetite and become mute. Short periods of restricted responsivity can be achieved by intense stimulation (e.g. pain, bright light, loud noise).

CT Findings

Lesions of the Ascending Reticular Activation System on height of the pons and metencephalon have been shown to cause stupor. The incidence is higher after left-sided lesions.

See also

• Torpor