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.
On this page:
- How can I tell if my baby, child or teenager has reduced consciousness?
- I think my child has a brain tumour, what do I do?
Other symptoms
Use our Better Safe Than Tumour symptom checker to check for other brain tumour symptoms.
Talking to your doctor
Learn more about how to approach your GP.
Get your free Information Pack
Our Brain Tumour Information Pack can help you better understand your diagnosis and feel confident talking to your medical team.
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 and a symptom persists or if your child has more than one symptom of a brain tumour then:
GP appointments are usually quite short, so make sure you find out how to best prepare for your child’s appointment.
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.
- Go to A&E
If the symptoms are sudden or severe, you should go to your emergency department or call 999.
More information
Download the HeadSmart symptoms card – PDF
Pocket-sized symptoms card that list the common signs and symptoms of childhood brain tumours, which you can take with you to your family GP if you are concerned about your child.
In this section
Know the Signs and Symptoms
Although brain tumours are rare, if you or a loved one are experiencing two or more of the signs and symptoms it’s important that you speak to your doctor to rule out a brain tumour.
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By taking part in our Improving Brain Tumour Care surveys and sharing your experiences, you can help us improve treatment and care for everyone affected by a brain tumour.