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Alternative names Return to top
Acute confusional state; Acute brain syndromeDefinition Return to top
Delirium is a condition of severe confusion and rapid changes in brain function. It is usually caused by a treatable physical or mental illness.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Acute confusional states most often result from physical or mental illness and are usually temporary and reversible. Disorders that cause delirium are numerous and varied. They may include conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen or other substances.
Delirium may be caused by diseases of body systems other than the brain, by poisons, by fluid/electrolyte or acid/base disturbances, and by other serious, acute conditions. Infections such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia may trigger delirium in individuals with pre-existing brain damage (prior strokes, dementia).
Patients with more severe pre-existing brain injury are more likely to develop delirium from additional illness.
Symptoms Return to top
Delirium involves a rapid alternation between mental states (for example, from lethargy to agitation and back to lethargy), with attention disruption, disorganized thinking, disorientation, changes in sensation and perception, and other symptoms.
Signs and tests Return to top
Neurologic examination may reveal abnormalities, including abnormal reflexes and abnormal levels of normal reflexes. Psychologic studies and tests of sensation, cognitive function, and motor function may be abnormal.Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to control or reverse the cause of the symptoms, and will vary with the specific condition causing delirium. The person should be in a pleasant, comfortable, non-threatening, physically safe environment for diagnosis and initial care. Hospitalization may be required for a short time.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome varies. Acute disorders that cause delirium may co-exist with chronic disorders that cause dementia. Acute brain syndromes may be reversible with treatment of the underlying cause.
Delirium often lasts only about 1 week, although it may take several weeks for cognitive function to return to normal levels. Full recovery is common.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if a rapid change in mental status occurs.Prevention Return to top
Treatment of causative disorders and conditions reduces the risk of delirium. Update Date: 4/22/2004 Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |