Obtundation
Obtundation refers to less than full alertness (altered level of consciousness), typically as a result of a medical condition or trauma. There is a huge range of potential causes including head injury, interruption of blood circulation, impaired oxygenation or carbon dioxide toxicity (hypercapnia), central nervous system (CNS) infections, drug intoxication or withdrawal, post-seizure state, hypothermia, and metabolic derangements such as hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hypercalcaemic crisis. Symptoms include delayed reaction time, lessened interest in the environment, very short attention span, and excessive sleeping. The root word, obtund, means "dulled or less sharp" (cf. "obtuse angle").