Decreased Conscious Level in a Child

Authors: Sarah Jones, Maya K Naravi / Editor: Nicola McDonald / Reviewer: Thomas Mac Mahon, Nadarajah Prasanna, Sandi Angus / Codes: / Published: 17/12/2020 / Reviewed: 14/03/2024

The child with decreased consciousness is a common problem with many possible diagnoses and potentially high mortality and morbidity. It is therefore important for the emergency physician to rapidly recognise children with decreased consciousness and initiate appropriate investigations and correct emergency treatment.

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • Evaluate which conscious level scores can be used in a child aged 0-18 years to define a decreased conscious level
  • Identify which conditions present as a decreased consciousness and which clinical features will facilitate the diagnosis
  • Select appropriate core set of investigations depending on the presentation
  • Interpret initial observations and investigations
  • Choose appropriate management/treatment steps to initiate life-saving treatment without delay
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