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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. 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 or illusions. 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 - severe infections, fever
- dehydration
- diseases of the kidney, liver or brain
- lack of certain vitamins
- recent seizures
- hormonal imbalances
- 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 use 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 doctor 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. An older person with delirium should recover completely. Contact your doctor or an emergency healthcare service immediately if someone in your family shows signs of delirium. Make sure you know the medications or drugs that the person has recently taken or stopped taking. Article #6716 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
