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DeliriumDefinition 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 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 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 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. The following tests may be done:
Treatment The goal of treatment is to control or reverse the cause of the symptoms. Treatment depends on 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. Stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion, or that are not essential to the care of the person, may improve cognitive functioning even before treatment of the underlying disorder. Medications that may worsen confusion include anticholinergics, analgesics, cimetidine, central nervous system depressants, lidocaine, and other medications (including alcohol and illegal drugs). Disorders that contribute to confusion should be treated. These may include heart failure, decreased oxygen (hypoxia), excessive carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), thyroid disorders, anemia, nutritional disorders, infections, kidney failure, liver failure, and psychiatric conditions (such as depression). Correction of co-existing medical and psychiatric disorders often greatly improves mental functioning. Medications may be required to control aggressive or agitated behaviors or behaviors that are dangerous to the person or to others. These are usually given in very low doses, with adjustment as required. Medications that may be considered for use include:
Sensory functioning should be evaluated and augmented as needed by the use of hearing aids, glasses, or cataract surgery. Formal psychiatric treatment may be necessary. Behavior modification may be helpful for some people to control unacceptable or dangerous behaviors. This consists of rewarding appropriate or positive behaviors and ignoring inappropriate behaviors (within the bounds of safety). Reality orientation, with repeated reinforcement of environmental and other cues, may help reduce disorientation. Expectations (prognosis) 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
Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if a rapid change in mental status occurs. Prevention Treatment of causative disorders and conditions reduces the risk of delirium. Illustrations
Page Content: Acute confusional state; Acute brain syndrome ; acute organic brain syndrome; acute confusional state |
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