About the topic
Sudden confusion, unusual drowsiness or loss of consciousness can have many causes, including serious illness or injury. Do not assume the person is simply tired or intoxicated.
What to do now
- Seek emergency help immediately and stay with the person.
- Check breathing. If not breathing normally, start CPR and follow emergency guidance.
- Give nothing by mouth. If unconscious but breathing normally, follow recovery-position guidance unless a spine injury is suspected.
Symptoms & signs
- Sudden disorientation or difficulty thinking or speaking clearly.
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty staying awake.
- Not responding to voice or touch, or a collapse.
When to speak with a clinician: Emergency assessment is needed for a sudden unexplained change, even if awareness begins to improve.
Food & nutrition
No home diet treats an unexplained change in consciousness. Emergency assessment comes first; oral sugar is reserved for a conscious person who can swallow safely under a hypoglycaemia plan.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- During acute care, follow the team's swallowing, fluid and feeding decisions.
- Once alert and assessed, follow the recovery nutrition plan for the identified cause.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Give nothing by mouth while consciousness or safe swallowing is impaired.
- Do not try to revive someone with food, drink or alcohol.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: