Delirium

A lot of factors affect mental abilities and lead to serious conditions, like delirium, which causes severe changes in the mental abilities and could be life-threatening in some cases.

Delirium

Delirium occurs when a person suffers from confusion or an alteration in the mental capabilities for a long time. These changes affect the patient’s awareness, focus, and memory, and sometimes, delirium could be a life-threatening condition.

Types of delirium:

• Hyperactive delirium: the patient becomes restless and anxious.
• Hypoactive delirium: the patient becomes sluggish and confused.
• Mixed delirium: the patient suffers from both aforementioned types.

Causes and risk factors leading to delirium

Delirium occurs due to a malfunction in the brain signals, which causes them to not be sent and received as they should. Causes might include:

• Persistent stress.
• Lack of sleep.
• Health conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, a fall injury, and liver or kidney disease.
• A severe infection or disease.
• Extreme pain.
• Staying in bed for a long time due to medical reasons.
• Having a long-lasting or fatal illness.
• Drug or alcohol abuse.
• Toxin exposure.
• Certain medicines.

The following factors increase the risk of delirium:

• Hearing or vision loss.
• Certain health issues, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
• Previous delirium episodes.
• Being over 65 years old.
• Having a chronic lung or heart condition.

Symptoms of delirium

In general, symptoms of delirium start within a few hours or a few days, and they might come and go in periods and worsen at night. They include:

• Confusion and mood swings.
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
• Being easily distracted.
• Hallucinations and delusions.
• Difficulty identifying things and thinking.
• Sleeping changes and tiredness.
• Feeling agitated or slow.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Not being aware of the surroundings.
• In severe cases, delirium might lead to weakened health, combative behavior, cognitive impairment, and the need for long-term care.

Diagnosis of delirium

• Physical exam.
• Neurological exam.
• Mental health evaluation.
• Lab tests.

Treatment of delirium

• Treating delirium depends on the causes. Generally, the patient needs supportive care and might require certain medications.