Impaired Consciousness

Expert Evaluation & Support at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital.

Impaired consciousness refers to a reduced ability to remain alert or aware of surroundings, ranging from confusion and disorientation to complete unresponsiveness. At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our expert neurology and critical care teams provide rapid diagnosis, investigation, and tailored treatment for patients experiencing any level of consciousness disturbance.

What Is Impaired Consciousness?

Impaired consciousness is not a condition itself, but a clinical sign of an underlying issue affecting brain function. It can be temporary or persistent, and it may develop suddenly (as in a stroke or head injury) or progressively (as with neurodegenerative diseases).

Common Symptoms

Patients may present with varying levels of consciousness, including:

• Sudden mood or behavioural changes
• Confusion or disorientation
• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Difficulty following conversations or commands
• Unresponsiveness or coma
• Memory lapses
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination or motor control

Conditions That May Cause Impaired Consciousness

Impaired consciousness may be caused by a wide range of medical emergencies or chronic conditions, such as:

• Post-operative complications or anaesthetic effects
• Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Brain infections (e.g. meningitis, encephalitis)
• Brain tumours
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypoxia (low oxygen supply to the brain)
• Drug or alcohol intoxication
• Severe infections (e.g. sepsis)
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s)

Diagnosis and Assessment

Our multidisciplinary team provides urgent neurological evaluation, including:

• Neurological examination
• Brain imaging (MRI, CT scans)
• Blood tests to assess infection, glucose, and metabolic function
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) for seizure activity
• Lumbar puncture (if infection is suspected)

Early diagnosis is crucial to reduce the risk of long-term brain damage and support effective treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Emergency interventions (e.g. stroke care, seizure control)
• IV fluids, oxygen therapy, or medications
• Infection control with antibiotics or antivirals
• Surgery in cases of tumour, abscess, or swelling
• Neurorehabilitation support following recovery

Our hospital offers personalised treatment plans with access to critical care, neurology, and rehabilitation under one roof.

Recovery and Support

Many patients recovering from impaired consciousness benefit from our specialist rehabilitation programmes, particularly after stroke, brain injury, or complex neurological conditions. We provide:

• Multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation
• Cognitive and speech therapy
• Psychological support
• Assistive technology and adaptive strategies
• Family involvement in care planning

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• State-of-the-art diagnostics and imaging
• Consultant-led neurological care
• Seamless transition to neurorehabilitation services
• No waiting lists – private healthcare when you need it most
• Comfortable private rooms and compassionate nursing support

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone else experiences:

• Sudden confusion or disorientation
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure or stroke symptoms
• Severe head injury

Prompt treatment can significantly impact outcomes.

Book a Consultation

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of impaired consciousness, early evaluation is critical.
Call us or book an appointment online to speak with one of our experienced neurologists today.

Our Resident Neurologist

Dr Weatherall is very welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.

Dr Mark Weatherall

Consultant Neurologist

Aaron Field