Child with Altered Mental Status

Altered mental status has a wide range of severity and broad differential diagnosis. Children with altered mental status may be even more challenging to diagnose than adults due to developmental considerations. In this chapter, we review epidemiology, etiology, and differential diagnosis for children with altered mental status. Key history and physical examination findings may guide the clinician in diagnosis and can help determine additional testing and imaging. A focused history and physical examination are key in identifying patients who need emergent stabilization and can provide important information that may help identify the etiology of the child’s altered mental status. We review outcomes for children with altered mental status and key clinical pearls.