Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Obtundation
Introduction
Obtunded refers to a patient that has less than full mental capacity, typically as a result of a medical condition or trauma. The root word, obtund, means dulled or less sharp.
When a medic first assesses a patient, she/he is checking to see if the person is “A&O times 3”, which means they are alert and oriented, and knows who he is, where he is located, the current time. If the patient has any difficulty answering these questions, the medic may say he is obtunded or “A&O times 2” and so on. Template:Disease-stub