Neurological distress refers to an impairment of nervous system function which, in the short term, may affect the body’s other vital functions (circulatory function, respiratory function) and lead to the victim’s death.
Whilst loss of consciousness is a serious neurological emergency requiring immediate first aid, there are a number of situations in which a victim may show visible signs of neurological distress without, however, having lost consciousness.
The three vital functions are closely interlinked, and any impairment of nervous function leads, sooner or later, to a disruption of the others.
Causes
There are many causes that can lead to impaired nerve function and a disturbance of consciousness, for example:
- an injury, such as a blow to the head;
- a condition that directly affects the brain (stroke), the spinal cord or the nerves;
- certain cases of poisoning;
- a lack of sugar.
Risks & Consequences
Damage to the nervous system quickly affects the other two systems and poses an immediate or very short-term threat to the victim’s life, as their vital organs (heart, lungs) can very quickly be deprived of oxygen.
Signs
Neurological distress is identified during the emergency assessment.
The victim has lost consciousness; she does not respond when spoken to, when gently shaken by the shoulders, or when asked to open her eyes or squeeze a hand.
The victim is conscious if they respond. However, they may show signs of neurological damage such as:
- a more or less pronounced change in their level of consciousness (drowsiness, delayed response to questions or instructions);
- convulsions;
- disorientation;
- amnesia regarding the accident or the fainting episode (the victim cannot remember the event);
- a temporary loss of consciousness;
- the inability to move one or more limbs (paralysis);
- facial asymmetry;
- asymmetry of the pupils (when the eyes are open, the pupils are of different diameters);
- a lack of pupillary response to light;
- a speech disorder.
Principle of emergency response
The rescue operation must ensure that:
- to place the victim in a suitable recovery position in order to maintain blood flow to the brain;
- to receive medical assistance quickly;
- to monitor the victim closely and adapt first-aid measures as the situation develops.