Decreased alertness in a baby or child
Decreased alertness refers to a noticeable change in a child's typical interactions with the people and things around the child. Decreased alertness may indicate a serious health problem and may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty waking up
- Limpness or weak muscle tone. A child over 3 months of age may not move for an extended period of time and show no desire to move.
- A weak or feeble cry
- Unresponsiveness to touch or voice
- Inability to suck for two or more feedings in a row
- A vacant stare. Children over 3 months of age may not make eye contact.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 29, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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