C T , L P , A N D E E G H I M
C e re b rova sc u l a r a c c i d e n t ( b ra i n stem i s ch e m ia/i nfa rct)
T ra u m a
L ow b l ood p re s s u re/hypote n s i o n
P sych iatric
A n ox i a/hypoxia
N eo p l a s m
D ru g s/tox i n s/wi t h d rawa l
E p i l e psy ( n o n convu l s i ve stat u s , post-ict a l )
E l evated b l oo d press u re (hyperte n s ive e n ce p h a l opathy)
G l u cose l a ck/hypog lyce m i a
H emorrhage/bleed (i ntracra n i a l , especially posterior fossa)
I nfect i o n ( m e n i n g itis/e n c e p h a l itis/s e p s i s )
M etabol i c/e n d o c r i n e
The first mnemonic i s shorter but less comprehensive. The second mnemonic
is more complete, and it pokes fun at a nonspecific approach to these patients.
The CT, LP, and EEG are not required for all patients. The following describes o n
organized approach to this common problem .