Level of Consciousness in Children
Level of consciousness is a measure of a child's ability to
interact with other people and react to his or her surroundings. A decreased
level of consciousness may point to a serious health problem.
Symptoms of a decreased level of consciousness in a young child
include:
- Extreme irritability for more than 3 hours. The
child cannot be calmed by holding, rocking, or feeding.
- Extreme
sleepiness and difficulty waking up.
- Limpness and poor, weak muscle
tone. A child older than 3 months of age may not move for an extended period of
time or may not show any desire to move.
- Weak or feeble
cry.
- Lack of response to touch or voice.
- Inability to
suck for two or more feedings in a row.
- Vacant or blank stare.
Children older than 3 months of age may not make eye contact or may show other
signs of confusion or disorientation.
- Unequal movement, strength,
and activity of the arms or legs.
Credits