Fifteen-minute consultation: Approach to the child with an acute confusional state. Issue 2 (31st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prasad, Manish; Seal, Arnab; Mordekar, Santosh R
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 102:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2016-10-31
• Subjects: Accident & Emergency -- confusional state -- migraine -- epilepsy; Pediatrics -- Practice -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-311068
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-0585

Abstract

Abstract : Acute confusional state (ACS) refers to sudden impairment of cognitive function and represents a major medical emergency. The impairment may be global or confined specifically to a particular faculty of higher mental function, such as memory. This review highlights the importance of relevant medical history and clinical signs and symptoms in reaching the correct diagnosis. In this review, we have presented a diagnostic approach to a child presenting with ACS and described commonly encountered causes, their treatments and outcomes. We have also presented an algorithm for the diagnostic approach to the child with ACS.