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Delirium in children

Delirium in a child is an acute, fluctuating change in attention, consciousness and behaviour caused by illness, treatment, medicine or intoxication. A child may become quiet or agitated, and the underlying cause always needs prompt medical assessment.

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  • Delirium in children is an acute disturbance of brain function with a clear change in attention, consciousness, thinking and behaviour.
  • Symptoms fluctuate: a child may interact at one moment and shortly afterwards become confused, frightened, agitated or unusually quiet.
  • Hypoactive delirium, with drowsiness and withdrawal, is easily missed but can be just as serious as noisy agitation.
  • Age and development determine how symptoms appear. Parents and regular carers know the child's usual communication best.
  • There is usually a physical cause or a triggering treatment that needs to be identified promptly.
  • Children in intensive care, with serious illness, neurological vulnerability or extensive sedation are at greater risk.
  • Treatment focuses on the cause, comfort, the sleep–wake rhythm, movement, family presence and minimising medicines that may worsen the disturbance.

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Further reading

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D
DeliriumDelirium is a sudden, fluctuating disturbance of attention and thinking caused by a physical problem, medicine or intoxication. It is not normal ageing and needs medical assessment the same day; sometimes immediate lifesaving help is needed.
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