Central nervous system depression

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Central nervous system (CNS) depression is a physiological state that can result in a decreased rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and loss of consciousness, possibly leading to coma or death.

It is the result of inhibited or suppressed brain activity.[1]

Causes

general anesthetics, and anticonvulsants such as pregabalin used to treat epilepsy.[2][3]

Drug overdose is often caused by combining two or more depressant drugs, although overdose is also possible by consuming a large dose of one depressant drug. Central nervous system depression can also be caused by the accidental or intentional inhalation or ingestion of certain volatile chemicals such as butanone (contained in plastic cement) or isopropyl alcohol. Other causes of central nervous system depression are metabolic disturbances such as hypoglycemia.[4]

Comparison

In a study comparing the central nervous depression due to supra-therapeutic doses of

respiratory depression.[5]

Treatment

Significant central nervous system depression is treated within a hospital setting by maintaining breathing and circulation. Individuals with reduced breathing may be given supplemental oxygen, while individuals who are not breathing can be ventilated with bag valve mask ventilation or by mechanical ventilation with a respirator. Sympathomimetic drugs may be used to attempt to stimulate cardiac output in order to maintain circulation. Central nervous system depression caused by certain drugs may respond to treatment with an antidote.[citation needed]

There are two

gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. Similarly to naloxone, flumazenil has a short half-life, and this needs to be taken into account because the patient may exhibit central nervous depression after the antidote has been cleared. Benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of seizures and subsequently, the administration of flumazenil may result in seizures. Therefore, slow administration of flumazenil is necessary to prevent the occurrence of a seizure. These agents are rarely used in the setting of a colonoscopy as 98.8% of colonoscopies use sedatives but only 0.8% of them result in the administration of one of these antidotes. Even if they are rarely used in colonoscopies they are important in preventing the patient from entering a coma or developing respiratory depression when sedatives are not properly dosed. Outside of the colonoscopy setting, these agents are used for other procedures and in the case of drug overdose.[7]

References

  1. National Institute of Health
    . October 2011.
  2. National Institute of Health
    . October 2011.
  3. ^ Adam Cloe (June 30, 2010). "What Is CNS Depression?". www.livestrong.com.
  4. PMID 23355785
    .
  5. PMID 16880774
    .
  6. PMID 26469689
    .
  7. PMID 20407253
    .
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