Initial assessment and management of coma in pediatric population.
Airway - is it secure?
Breathing — is respiratory effort sufficient?
Circulation - treat shock
Disability — check blood glucose
- AVPU or Glasgow Coma Scale
Exposure - e.g. look for meningococcal purpuric rash
Examination
- Is there raised intracranial pressure — abnormal breathing, posture,
pupils, fundi (papilloedema or retinal haemorrhages)?
- Bradycardia and hypertension suggest impending brain stem herniation
Treat the treatable:
- hypoglycaemia
- poisoning
- diabetes mellitus
- septicaemia/meningitis
- herpes simplex encephalitis
Intubate and ventilate if necessary, transfer to paediatric/neurosurgical
intensive care unit
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