Obtundation refers to less than full alertness (altered level of consciousness), typically as a result of a medical condition or trauma.[1]
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.[2]
The root word, obtund, means "dulled or less sharp" cf. obtuse angle
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