Das bewusstseinsgestörte Kind: Eine interdisziplinäre Herausforderung

Translated title of the contribution: Consciousness disturbances in children: An interdisciplinary challenge

A. Merkenschlager*, C. Härtel, M. Preuß

*Corresponding author for this work
2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Disturbances of consciousness are frequent pediatric emergencies. Aims: This article describes the principles of emergency care of consciousness disturbance in children. The article is based on clinical guidelines with broad implementation. Results and discussion: If a child loses consciousness, the initial treatment consists of ensuring a reliable airway and maintaining adequate ventilation, oxygenation and blood pressure (ABC rule: airway, breathing, circulation). The severity of unconsciousness must be quantified by scoring systems, e.g. the Glasgow coma scale or the AVPU scale (alert, voice, pain or unresponsive). The patient's history and further clinical abnormalities (e.g. fever, meningism and focal signs) are crucial for the next diagnostic step including urgent neuroimaging and lumbar puncture. If a central nervous system (CNS) infection is suspected, anti-infective treatment must not be delayed. In unconscious patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems a pediatric neurosurgeon has to be contacted in order to rule out shunt insufficiency.

Translated title of the contributionConsciousness disturbances in children: An interdisciplinary challenge
Original languageGerman
JournalMonatsschrift fur Kinderheilkunde
Volume161
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)740-748
Number of pages9
ISSN0026-9298
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 08.2013

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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