Delirium
Delirium is a sudden change in mental state causing confusion, reduced awareness, and difficulty focusing. It often develops due to infections, dehydration, medications, or underlying medical illness.
🚨 Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Delirium may be serious if you notice:
- Sudden confusion or inability to recognize surroundings.
- Fluctuating alertness or drowsiness.
- Hallucinations or agitation.
- Difficulty speaking or following instructions.
📞 Consult a Doctor Immediately
You should seek medical advice if:
- Confusion develops suddenly.
- Behavior changes rapidly.
- There is fever with altered mental status.
- Elderly patient shows sudden cognitive decline.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Symptom Pattern | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Sudden confusion | Infection (UTI, pneumonia) |
| Fluctuating attention | Metabolic imbalance |
| Hallucinations | Drug toxicity |
| Disorientation | Underlying dementia |
| Reduced awareness | Brain injury or stroke |
Causes by Category
UTI: Common cause in elderly patients.
Pneumonia: Lung infection leading to confusion.
Sepsis: Severe body-wide infection affecting brain function.
Dehydration: Reduces brain function.
Low blood sugar: Affects brain activity.
Liver failure: Toxin buildup affects cognition.
Sedatives: Can cause confusion in high doses.
Alcohol withdrawal: May trigger delirium tremens.
Stroke: Sudden brain blood flow interruption.
Diagnostic Procedures
Blood Tests
Checks infection, electrolytes, and metabolic status.
Urine Test
Detects urinary infection or dehydration.
CT Brain Scan
Identifies stroke, bleeding, or brain injury.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Assesses oxygen, blood pressure, and fever.
