Reduced consciousness

If your baby, child or teenager is unresponsive or less responsive than usual, this could mean they have reduced consciousness. Reduced consciousness can be a sign of a brain tumour.

How can I tell if my baby, child or teenager has reduced consciousness?

At any age, reduced consciousness can involve:

• reduced response to pain – your baby, child or teenager may not open their eyes, flinch, withdraw, grimace nor respond verbally when they would otherwise do so
• reduced response to a person's voice – e.g. they do not open their eyes when called
• whimpering or moaning
• making incomprehensible sounds
• appearing confused and unable to find the right words to use
• being unable to be roused from sleep – this indicates that the reduced consciousness is serious.

Reduced consciousness in your baby, child or teenager could be caused by a serious illness, so it's important for them to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you think your child has reduced consciousness, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

I think my child has a brain tumour, what should I do?

Brain tumours are rare, however, if you're worried, if a symptom persists or if your child has more than one of these symptoms then:

• Talk to your doctor
  GP appointments are usually quite short, find out how to best prepare for your appointment
• Get an eye test
  If your child's symptoms are limited to changes in vision and/or headaches, get their eyes tested by an optician before seeing your GP.