Delirium

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Delirium

Definition

Delirium is sudden severe confusion and rapid changes in brain function that occur with physical or mental illness.

Alternative Names

Acute confusional state; Acute brain syndrome

Causes

Delirium is most often caused by physical or mental illness and is usually temporary and reversible. Many disorders cause delirium, including conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen or other substances.

Causes include:

Drug abuse
Infections such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia (in people who already have brain damage from stroke or dementia)
Poisons
Fluid/electrolyte or acid/base disturbances

Patients with more severe brain injuries are more likely to get delirium from another illness.


Central nervous system

Review Date: 2/13/2008
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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