acute confusion in children under 16 years - NICE guidance - suspected neurological conditions - recognition and referral
Last edited 05/2019
Acute Confusion
Summary points from NICE guidance relating to acute confusion in children are:
For children with unexplained acute confusion: arrange an emergency transfer to hospital and measure blood glucose.
Be aware that acute confusion in children can be a symptom of meningitis, encephalitis or poisoning. If infection is suspected requires an assessment of possible sepsis.
For children with acute confusion who have a non-blanching rash or other signs or symptoms suggestive of meningococcal septicaemia, then manage as for possible meningococcal septicaemia
- consider other possible clinical features of meningococcal septicaemia - see linked items
Reference:
important conditions to be considered in a child with a fever (bacterial meningitis)