Sopor

SOPOR, a pathological state of sleep observed in a number of diseases of the central nervous system and in severe general illnesses (infections, intoxications). In relation to the patient's condition, S. occupies an intermediate position between sleepiness and coma. Sleepiness is usually understood as a state of the patient when he is slightly disoriented and easily falls asleep at unusual times without special reason, then waking up repeatedly on his own or under the influence of minor external stimuli. Sopor, however, represents a deep pathological sleep, from which the patient can be brought out only temporarily by means of strong irritation or a loud call. The latter distinguishes S. from coma, the deepest unconscious state and sleep, during which the patient is unable to either wake up or react to surrounding conditions. In differential diagnostic terms, it is important to note that in S., unlike in coma, pupillary and corneal reflexes are usually well preserved. Among the individual diseases in which a soporific state is most often observed, one should first note acute febrile diseases (typhus, pneumonia, malaria, childhood infections), brain tumors, encephalitis, epileptic seizures, opiate poisoning, uremia and diabetic acidosis.