EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE COMA IN CHILDREN

A deteriorating neurologic state in a child with an acute brain insult is a life-threatening situation, and the decisions made during the fi rst few minutes of management will frequently determine the outcome. O ften, the family physician is the first person contacted by the parent s to evaluate the sudden change in a child. Attention must be first di rected toward ensuring an airway and maintaining adequate circulation. Computed tomographic study, toxicology screen and determination of ac id-base status should follow. Possible causes of acute coma in childre n include trauma, child abuse, intracerebral hemorrhage, tumor, mening itis and poisoning.