TICLS is a standardised mnemonic used to assess the level of consciousness and neurological status in infants and young children. It helps healthcare providers evaluate the child’s response to stimuli and determine their overall mental status. The TICLS mnemonic represents components from the Appearance section of the Paediatric Assessment Triangle.
T | Tone |
I | Interactiveness |
C | Consolability |
L | Look or Gaze |
S | Speech or Cry |
- Tone: Assesses the child’s muscle tone. Is the child limp, floppy, or hypotonic? Or are they rigid or hypertonic?
- Interactiveness: Observe how the child interacts with their environment. Are they alert, responsive, and engaged? Or are they unresponsive or disinterested?
- Consolability: Determine how easily the child can be comforted or consoled. Can they be calmed down with gentle soothing or touch? Or do they remain inconsolable despite efforts to comfort them?
- Look or Gaze: Evaluate the child’s eye contact and gaze. Do they make eye contact and follow objects or people with their eyes? Or do they have a fixed or deviated gaze?
- Speech or Cry: Assess the child’s vocalisation. Are they making appropriate sounds, babbling, or crying? Or do they have an abnormal cry or absence of vocalisation?