Blantyre coma scale

Blantyre Coma Scale
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Coma, Altered level of consciousness
Complications	Cerebral malaria
Onset	Acute
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Malaria
Risks	Plasmodium falciparum infection
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, antimalarial drugs
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

The Blantyre Coma Scale is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate the level of consciousness in children with cerebral malaria. It is specifically designed for use in pediatric patients and is an adaptation of the Glasgow Coma Scale, which is more commonly used in adults.

History

The Blantyre Coma Scale was developed in the late 1980s in Blantyre, Malawi, to provide a simple and reliable method for assessing the depth of coma in children with cerebral malaria. It was created to address the need for a pediatric-specific scale that could be used in resource-limited settings where cerebral malaria is prevalent.

Components

The Blantyre Coma Scale consists of three components:

1. Eye response: This assesses whether the child can track or fixate on an object. The score is 1 if the child can track or fixate, and 0 if they cannot.
2. Verbal response: This evaluates the child's ability to vocalize or cry. The score is 2 if the child cries appropriately with pain, 1 if the child moans or grunts, and 0 if there is no vocal response.
3. Motor response: This measures the child's motor response to a painful stimulus. The score is 2 if the child withdraws from pain, 1 if there is abnormal flexion, and 0 if there is no response.

The total score ranges from 0 to 5, with lower scores indicating a deeper level of coma.

Clinical Use

The Blantyre Coma Scale is used primarily in settings where cerebral malaria is common, such as sub-Saharan Africa. It helps healthcare providers assess the severity of coma in children and make decisions about treatment and prognosis. A score of 2 or less is indicative of a poor prognosis and may necessitate more aggressive treatment.

Limitations

While the Blantyre Coma Scale is useful in assessing coma in children with cerebral malaria, it has limitations. It is not applicable to adults and may not be suitable for assessing coma due to other causes. Additionally, it requires some clinical judgment, particularly in interpreting the motor response.

Also see

• Glasgow Coma Scale
• Cerebral malaria
• Malaria
• Neurological assessment

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External links

• Comprehensive information from the National Institute of health.
  

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