What is the twilight state?

Among the alterations of consciousness and, consequently, attention, we have the twilight state. A very disabling alteration, which is linked to the spectacular nature of its symptoms.

Consciousness is a complex cognitive process. Around him we find very interesting questions that draw powerful attention to the psychological discipline. Among them are those disorders that are capable of altering human consciousness. One of the most studied is the twilight state.

Disorders such as epilepsy or substance abuse are associated with the appearance of twilight state. Which manifests itself as a narrowing of consciousness, where it is seriously altered. In addition, it is usually accompanied by involuntary or impulsive movements. The subject rarely remembers what has occurred while experiencing this state.

The twilight state

The twilight state is conceived as a temporary disorder of consciousness, attention and executive processes.. In it, strong mental confusion, a reduction in sensory capacity, spatial and temporal disorientation, localized amnesia within the twilight state, and involuntary and impulsive movements are present.

Within the population that suffers from this pathology we can find a great diversity of cases. The twilight state can vary both in its severity and quality.. In this way, we find complete alterations in consciousness or more specific damage to certain attentional or executive aspects. This variance is due to the large number of processes involved in consciousness. Thus, depending on which of them is damaged, the pathology will express itself differently.

The twilight state manifests itself in various ways

This disorder is not found in a primary or isolated form, that is, It is usually part of the symptoms of broader pathologies. Among them, epileptic disorders and the abuse of certain types of substances tend to be the most relevant. However, it is worth mentioning that the twilight state and its associated symptoms can appear through brain lesions of different types.

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The development of the twilight state usually occurs through a sudden onset without prior warning. Afterwards, this is maintained for an irregular period of time, which largely depends on the patient (it can range from a few hours to days, in the most serious cases). And finally, The twilight state will also have an abrupt end, in which the patient returns to his normal state..

So, The main characteristics of this state are its sudden appearance and disappearance. Something similar to pressing an on and off button.

Relevant symptoms

Within this type of narrowing of consciousness We can find a great diversity of symptoms associated with it. Next, we will mention the most relevant and defining ones of the disorder:

Significant narrowing of the field of consciousness. The subject’s brain waves will be in a very low state of wakefulness, with little amplitude between them.Serious disturbance in attention. The person will barely be able to attend to the various stimuli that occur during the episode. Appearance of involuntary or impulsive movements. Manual and facial gestures appear along with other behaviors such as an impulse to walk. These movements are not directed towards any type of goal, they appear meaningless and repetitive.Amnesia of the temporal moment around the episode. Patients are unable to remember or if they do, they have a very faint memory of what happened during the twilight state.Possible appearance of hallucinations or delusions. Patients have sometimes been reported to suffer from auditory and visual hallucinations, along with incoherent thoughts such as delusions.Presence of total disorientation of the patient. The subject is completely dislocated, without understanding where he is or what time of day it is.The subject’s appearance and external attitude could be defined as sweaty, agitated and aggressive..

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Know to know how to act

The twilight state is a pathology found in various psychological disorders. and psychiatric that many people are unaware of. In fact, research into this alteration of consciousness can provide us with valuable information.

Knowing the causes, symptoms and consequences of the twilight state brings us closer to discovering the methods to cure or alleviate this disorder.. And in this way improve the lives of those people who suffer from it.