Stupor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stupor represents an important loss in cognitive functions. The word derives from the Latin "stupure," meaning insensible. Being characterised by impairments of reactions to external stimuli, it usually appears in infectious diseases, complicated toxic states, mental illnesses (e.g. schizophrenia), vascular illnesses (e.g. hypertensive encephalopathy), neoplasms (e.g. brain tumors), and so on.

Contents

[edit] Symptoms

If not stimulated externally, a patient with Stupor will be in a sleepy mode most of the time. Short periods of restricted responsivity can be achieved by intense stimulation (e.g. pain, bright light, loud noise).

[edit] Localisation of brain lesions

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.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

 This medical symptom article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.