Disorders of consciousness induced by intoxication.

The prognosis of patients with altered consciousness is mainly determined by early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions and by the type of toxin. The potential causes of altered consciousness are many and may reflect systemic illness, isolated organ system dysfunction, drug intoxications or withdrawal, psychiatric illness, or neurologic disease. In this article, a comprehensive approach to patients with altered consciousness and suspected poisoning is discussed. This survey, however, does not intend to be a substitute for the need for consultation with a clinical toxicologist qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of poisoned patients.