Strong carotid Pulse in an unconscious patient

[Brucelaa67]

Came across a U world question, whether its described patient lost consciousness at the emergency entrance and a physican palpates a strong pulse along the inner sternocleidomastoid.
Though it asks about the common carotid origin. But how is the pulse strong in an unconscious patient?
Is it an error? Or do they mean strong pulse rate,( but weak in character)?
Thank you. Any input'll be appreciated.

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[zmiller5000]

Causes of syncope that are not cardiac or vasovagal i.e. metabolic should not cause a change in the carotid pulse unless they have an effect on the heart or vasculature. In say thyrotoxicosis, I wonder if the carotid pulse would be even stronger even though the patient is unconscious.

 

[Doogie.Howser]

Unconscious doesn't mean pulseless.

 

[Jabbed]

Palpable pulse loosely correlates with systemic BP. Palpable radial pulse = 80+ systolic. Palpable carotid = 60+ systolic. Palpable femoral = 60+ systolic.

So weak carotid pulse = hovering around 60 mmHg systolic. Absent radial pulse = <80 systolic. Handy way to check when your BP cuff is lying to you.

 

[Brucelaa67]

So the question thread must be indicating a metabolic cause, such as thyrotoxicosis, i guess. Thanks.

 

[SlyWalker]

Patient lost consciousness and has strong carotid pulse. Could be Malignant hypertension.