Altered Level of Consciousness (Child)

Level of consciousness (LOC) is a measure of a person’s ability to interact with other people and to react to things around them. Altered LOC is a medical emergency. A child with an altered LOC may be irritable for a few hours. The child can't be calmed by holding, rocking, or feeding. Some children may be hyperactive and can’t sleep. Others may be very sleepy and hard to wake. Affected children may seem limp, with poor muscle tone. They may not respond to touch or voices. Their look may be vacant or blank. They may not make eye contact. Their cry may be weak. Some children may not move for a long time. Or they may not want to move. They may be confused. They may not be awake or aware for a short time.

There are many causes of altered consciousness. They include low blood sugar, infection, poison ingestion, medicines, injuries, or other medical problems.

The child will have tests done to help find the cause. These may include blood tests and imaging tests. The child is first treated so breathing, circulation, and heart rate are stable. An IV (intravenous) line may be put into a vein in the arm or hand to give medicines. Once the cause of altered LOC is found, the goal is to treat the cause. The health care team may ask you many questions about your child and your home life. Some of the questions can seem inappropriate or intrusive. Try to understand that this information is needed to find out what may be causing your child's symptoms.

In almost all cases, the child will be admitted to the hospital to be watched and treated. If your child's condition is serious, they may be admitted to a critical care unit for close observation and special care.