ABSTRACT
An intact and fully operational brain is a requirement for a fully conscious state. Changes to levels of consciousness signify developing brain dysfunction. Alteration to the level of consciousness is one of the early warning signs of physiological deterioration. Changes may be slight at first and challenging to recognise. Between the polarities of consciousness and unconsciousness there is a continuum of differing states of impaired consciousness (Blume et al., 2015). Transitory levels include drowsiness, confusion and comatose. Diagnosis of these levels is subjective.
