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This is an acute state of mental confusion that occurs rapidly, causing clouding of consciousness (the person is in a "stupor"), decreased mental function (often shifting from good to bad periods), and difficulty with attention and concentration.
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- Clouded consciousness (person is in a stupor)
- Lack of attention
- Difficulty concentrating
- Disoriented
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- Medications such as corticosteroids and Valium
- Hypoxia (decreased oxygenation)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Illegal drug intoxication
- Alcohol intoxication
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Infections such as Meningitis
- Metabolic imbalances
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Brain Injuries such as Acute Subdural Hematoma
- Prolonged hospitalization ("intensive care unit psychosis")
- "Sundowning" -- elderly individuals get confused at nighttime only
- Wernicke's Encephalopathy
- Thyroid disorders
- Endocrine disorder
- Post-seizure states
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- Blood work to rule out infections, as well as metabolic and endocrinological causes
- Alcohol and drug screening
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- CT scan or MRI scan
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- Treat the underlying cause
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- Seek immediate emergency medical attention as the causes usually can be treated. Untreated, many of the causes can lead to permanent disability, Coma, or death.
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- Delirium occurs rapidly, causing the mind to be clouded (in a stupor).
- Dementia occurs slowly, leaving the mind relatively clear (the person is confused and has memory loss, but he is not sleepy or in a stupor).
- Delirium may occur in an individual with Dementia.
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