ALCOHOLIC HALLUCINATIONS
It is an acute toxic state that follows a prolonged heavy drinking. Hallucinations are perceptions of sensations that do not exist. The conditions is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is anxiety.
2. Irritability is seen.
3. Agitation and insomnia are present.
4. Visual, tactile and auditory hallucinations are present.
First-aid
1. Give the patient adequate sedation and support.
2. Keep him in a place with minimum disturbances.
UNCONSCIOUSNESS
Any disturbance with the normal functioning of the brain and the nerves can bring about unconsciousness. It may be not only due to some disease or injury to the brain, but also of other organs in the body. Various types of unconsciousness are shown in the following table.
Type – Features
Stupor : It is a state of semiconsciousness in which person responds only to external stimuli or loud noise. Pupils of the eyes contract in response to light.
Fainting : It is the temporary loss of consciousness. The person recovers spontaneously.
Somnolence : It is a state when person feels sleepy or drowsy.
Coma : It is a state of complete loss of consciousness. The person does not respond to even painful stimuli. Eye movements are absent. The pupils do not respond to light. It can last for many years even.
Causes of unconsciousness
1. Acute fever
2. Alcohol consumption
3. Brain injuries
4. Convulsions
5. Diabetes or overdose of insulin
6. Epilepsy
7. Fainting
8. Heat stroke or exhaustion
9. Hysteria
10. Metabolic disturbances
11. Severe loss of body fluids.
First-aid
1. Do not try to arouse an unconscious person. Let him lie quietly.
2. Do not pour water on him.
3. Do not move him unnecessarily.
4. Let him have fresh air.
5. Loosen clothes around his neck, chest and waist.
6. Do not give him anything orally.
7. Resuscitate him if he has cardiorespiratory arrest.
8. Keep him in recovery position.
9. Apply specific treatment for the cause of unconsciousness. 10. Send him to a hospital immediately.
□ FAINTING
It occurs most frequently in healthy young people, especially during very hot weather and mostly occurs on prolonged standing as in heavy crowd or on a parade ground. People who are tired, hungry, fearful or emotionally upset faint more readily. Also induced by an emotional shock or on sight of a horrible scene. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
1. The person who is about to faint feels giddy and looks pale.
2. Then he collapses.
3. His pulse is weak and slow.
4. The skin becomes cold and clammy.
First-aid
1. Place him flat on the ground and raise his legs to improve the blood flow to his brain.
2. Loosen tight clothes around his neck.
3. Consciousness returns in one to two minutes.
4. Give him a cup of tea or coffee after he recovers consciousness.
5. If he does not recover very soon, send him to a doctor or hospital immediately.
Prevention
If a person feels faint, make him bend forward at his waist, bringing the head down between the knees. Alternatively he may lie down.