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Altered Level Of Consciousness: Evidence-Based Management In The Emergency Department

Joo Lee Song1, Vincent J Wang2

  • 1Fellow, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice
|December 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Altered level of consciousness in children presents diagnostic challenges. Prompt evaluation, including history, exam, and tests, is crucial for diagnosis and management in the emergency department.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Altered level of consciousness (ALC) in pediatric emergency department (ED) patients is a critical condition.
  • It presents significant diagnostic challenges for emergency clinicians.
  • Rapid identification of etiologies is vital for timely interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse etiologies of altered level of consciousness in children.
  • To provide guidance on the management and disposition of pediatric ALC cases.
  • To assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and treating this complex condition.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric altered level of consciousness.
  • Synthesis of diagnostic approaches including history, physical examination, and testing.
  • Analysis of management strategies and disposition recommendations.

Main Results:

  • A broad differential diagnosis is necessary for pediatric ALC.
  • Clinical presentation, history, and diagnostic tests are key to narrowing differentials.
  • Most unresolved ALC cases require admission for further evaluation and monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of pediatric ALC hinges on a systematic approach.
  • Early recognition and intervention can improve patient outcomes.
  • This review offers a framework for emergency clinicians managing pediatric ALC.

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