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Breath control: Difference between revisions
→Loss of consciousness
Tag: 2017 source edit |
Tag: 2017 source edit |
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==== Loss of consciousness ==== | ==== Loss of consciousness ==== | ||
When consciousness is lost due to hypoxia, the brain no longer communicates with the body normally and the body enters a reflexive state called '''posturing'''. Posturing results in the extreme tension of specific groups of muscles, which depend on the parts of the brain being denied oxygen. However, in all types of posturing the fingers close tightly into a fist. This has several '''<u>''extremely important''</u>''' implications: | When consciousness is lost due to hypoxia, the brain no longer communicates with the body normally and the body enters a reflexive state called '''posturing'''. Posturing results in the extreme tension of specific groups of muscles, which depend on the parts of the brain being denied oxygen. However, in all types of posturing the fingers close tightly into a fist. This has several '''<u>''extremely important''</u>''' implications: | ||
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* '''To people unfamiliar with the appearance of posturing, it may not be apparent that loss of consciousness has occurred''' | * '''To people unfamiliar with the appearance of posturing, it may not be apparent that loss of consciousness has occurred''' | ||
** This may delay or prevent assistance being provided, leading to further injury or death | ** This may delay or prevent assistance being provided, leading to further injury or death | ||
[[File:Posturing.jpg|thumb|Examples of decorticate and decerebrate posturing.]] | |||
[[File:Posturing.webm|frame|right|An example of rapid loss of consciousness and onset of posturing due to bilateral carotid compression.<br/>0:11 - Consciousness is lost<br/>0:14 - Decorticate posturing begins<br/>0:21 - Posturing transitions to decerebrate features. Note the right arm attempting to extend outward blocked by legs.<br/>0:35 - Posturing ceases, consciousness begins to return]] | |||
=== Hypercarbia (high carbon dioxide) === | === Hypercarbia (high carbon dioxide) === | ||