Alcohol and conscious level

Abstract

Many patients presenting to the Emergency Medical Services have recently consumed alcohol. This may profoundly affect their behaviour, conscious level and response to illness and treatment. The blood alcohol level (BAL) is of little use in the evaluation of these responses. Abnormal conscious level should never be ascribed to alcohol intoxication alone. It is only a diagnosis of exclusion. The most commonly associated conditions are head injury, cerebro-vascular incidents, hypoglycaemia and other drug intoxications.