Mnemonics for Unconsciousness – Causes, Differentials, Treatment

Remember the differentials of Unconsciousness using this simple medical mnemonic : FISH SHAPED

Fainted

Illness/Infantile febrile convulsions

Shock

Head injuries

Stroke (CVA)

Heart problems

Asphyxia

Poisons

Epilepsy

Diabetes

Remember the Common Causes of Unconsciousness using this simple medical mnemonic : DEATHH

All these common causes need to be ruled out first.

Diabetes mellitus: causing DKA, non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma, or hypoglycemia

Epilepsy

Alcohol or drugs

Trauma

Hypertension: causing hypertensive encephalopathy or stroke

Heart disease: causing myocardial infarction (MI)

Remember the Initial Treatment of an Unconscious patient using the medical mnemonic : DONT Forget

Dextrose: 50 mL of 50% dextrose IV bolus

Oxygen: 40% by mask

Naloxone (narcan): 1 mg IV initially, to maximum 10 mg

Thiamine: 100 mg IV (give before dextrose)

Flumazenil: 0.1 mg IV push


Hope these mnemonics helped. Got a better mnemonic for the same? Let us know in the comments below.
Also check out these medical mnemonics.

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