Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Acting strangelyDefinition Return to top
Unusual or strange behavior involves actions that are not typical of that individual.Considerations Return to top
There are many causes of unsual or strange behavior, including numerous medical and psychiatric illnesses. Two of the more common causes are delirium and dementia:
Common Causes Return to top
Causes in older people include the following:Home Care Return to top
For dementia or delirium that appears to be caused by a brain tumor, head injury, stroke, infection, fever, or pneumonia, seek immediate medical attention.
For delirium caused by anxiety and emotional problems, reassurance and loving support are recommended. Frequent feedback about time, place, and names of people providing care can be helpful.
For delirium or dementia caused by malnutrition, a proper diet and vitamin supplements are recommended after medical evaluation.
For delirium caused by medication, consult your doctor about adjusting dosage, changing medications, or discontinuing them.
For delirium or dementia caused by alcohol in excess, complete abstinence is required.
For delirium related to illicit drug use, stop taking the offending substance.
For delirium caused by emotional problems, psychological counseling is recommended.
For delirium caused by hypothermia, adequate heat and warmth is required. Re-warming should be carefully monitored.
Delirium that follows surgery is usually temporary, but avoid prolonged use of sedatives and pain killers.
For dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease, there is no prevention, but possible new treatments should be discussed with the doctor. Sympathetic care, occupational therapy, and family support are needed.
For dementia caused by Huntington's chorea, provide supportive care.
For delirium resulting from environmental causes, make a concerted effort to modify the environment or change environments.
For delirium caused by low thyroid function, see your health care provider about thyroid hormone replacement treatment.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Contact your regular health care provider or a neurologist if the following occur:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain the patient's medical history. The physical examination will probably include a detailed neurological evaluation.
Medical history questions documenting unusual or strange behavior in detail may include the following:
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |