At what core temperature will a person lose consciousness?

At what core temperature will a person lose consciousness?

• A. 83 degrees Fahrenheit or 28 degrees Celsius
• B. 92 degrees Fahrenheit
• C. 75 degrees Fahrenheit
• D. 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Answer: (A)

When the body's core temperature drops, brain function slows and eventually consciousness can be lost. This typically happens around 28°C (about 83°F). At this point cerebral metabolism is severely depressed, and the person can slip into a coma as the nervous system can no longer maintain wakefulness. Prior to this, shivering and cognitive slowing appear as temperature moves down into the low 30s, but unconsciousness is most consistently linked to roughly 28°C. Values around 33°C (about 91°F) may cause confusion or drowsiness, while a normal fever around 100°F is not related to losing consciousness from cold.

When the body's core temperature drops, brain function slows and eventually consciousness can be lost. This typically happens around 28°C (about 83°F). At this point cerebral metabolism is severely depressed, and the person can slip into a coma as the nervous system can no longer maintain wakefulness. Prior to this, shivering and cognitive slowing appear as temperature moves down into the low 30s, but unconsciousness is most consistently linked to roughly 28°C. Values around 33°C (about 91°F) may cause confusion or drowsiness, while a normal fever around 100°F is not related to losing consciousness from cold.