title: Beyond the basics: interpreting altered mental status assessment findings.
abstract: EMS providers frequently encounter patients who are not alert and present with an altered mental status, meaning their level of brain function is in question. Various physical examination techniques are employed during the assessment to determine the level of cerebral function and integrity of the brainstem. It is important to understand the limitations of these techniques, as well as potential findings that may cause you to erroreously interpret, re port and document the level of brain function. This information is often used to identify trends to determine if the patient's condition is deteriorating, remaining the same or improving.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Professions, Youngstown State University, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Joshph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Mistovich
authors.forename: William S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Krost
authors.forename: Daniel D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Limmer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000175:diagnosis; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D010465:Perception; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D012154:Reticular Formation / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology