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Contents of this page: | |
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Alternative names Return to top
OBS; Organic mental disorder; Chronic organic brain syndromeDefinition Return to top
Organic brain syndrome is a general term referring to physical disorders (usually not psychiatric disorders) that cause decreased mental function.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
OBS is a common diagnosis in the elderly. It is not an inevitable part of aging, however. OBS is not a separate disease entity, but is a general term used to categorize physical conditions that can cause mental changes.Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms vary with the specific disease. In general, organic brain syndromes cause varying degrees of confusion, delirium (severe, short-term loss of brain function), agitation, and dementia (long-term, often progressive, loss of brain function).Signs and tests Return to top
Testing and physical examination vary depending on the specific disorder.Treatment Return to top
Treatment varies with the specific disorder. Many of the disorders have nonspecific treatments -- primarily supportive care to assist the person in areas where brain function is lost.
Medications may be needed to reduce aggressive behaviors typical of some of the conditions in this category.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
See the specific disorder. Some disorders are acute and treatable, but many are chronic or progressive.Complications Return to top
Loss of ability to interact or function independently is common.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your provider if:
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |