DELIRIUM

Delirium is a temporary state of mental confusion and clouded consciousness. Symptoms include anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, trembling, and incoherent speech.

Delirium is not a disease. It develops as the result of a medical condition. People with delirium suddenly seem less aware of the environment. They slip in and out of consciousness. Their attention wanders and they are easily distracted. Their memory may be affected. They may have trouble speaking or understanding what others say. They may not know where they are or what time it is. They may suffer from hallucinations (hearing, seeing, tasting, feeling, smelling things that are not actually there), illusions (mistaking an object for something else), or delusions (believing something that is not true). They may have mood swings and may become frightened. Sometimes people with delirium will try to run away from where they are. This is more likely to happen when someone is in a hospital but it can happen at home as well.

Delirium can be caused by many different medical conditions, such as:

fever
severe infections
dehydration
diseases of the kidney or liver
lack of certain vitamins
recent seizures
hormonal imbalances and
lack of oxygen

It can also be a result of head injury. Delirium is common after surgery, especially for adults over age 65. Delirium can result from certain drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, or prescription medications. It can also occur when people suddenly stop taking drugs or medications. If you have been on a medication for some time, talk with your healthcare provider before you stop.

Delirium can be very scary, but it is temporary. It may last from hours to days. Older adults and children are more likely to have delirium when they are ill. Delirium is not the same thing as dementia. Someone with dementia can also have delirium. An older person with delirium should recover completely.

Delirium is a medical emergency. Anyone with delirium needs to be seen immediately to be treated for the cause. If someone in your family shows signs of delirium, contact your healthcare provider or an emergency healthcare service immediately. Make sure you know the medications or drugs that the person has recently taken or stopped taking.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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