R40: Somnolence, stupor and coma

Somnolence, stupor and coma refer to a group of conditions related to abnormal levels of consciousness. Somnolence, also referred to as drowsiness or sleepiness, is characterized by a strong desire for sleep, especially at inappropriate times. Stupor represents a more severe impairment, where an individual is unresponsive to stimuli and lacks motor activity but may be awakened briefly by vigorous and repeated stimuli. The most severe condition is a coma, a deep state of unconsciousness whereby an individual cannot be woken up and does not respond to any form of stimuli, including pain, sound, or light. Causes can range from severe illnesses, head trauma, poisoning, or stroke to imbalances of substances in the body. These conditions affect the brain and nervous system and can lead to further complications if not assessed by a healthcare professional promptly. Progression varies, often dependent on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health status.