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Delirium

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Definition:

Delirium is a condition of severe confusion and rapid changes in brain function. It is usually caused by a treatable physical or mental illness.

Alternative Names:

Acute confusional state; Acute brain syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acute confusional states most often result from physical or mental illness and are usually temporary and reversible. Disorders that cause delirium are numerous and varied. They may include conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen or other substances.

Delirium may be caused by diseases of body systems other than the brain, by poisons, by fluid/ electrolyte or acid/base disturbances, and by other serious, acute conditions. Infections such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia may trigger delirium in individuals with pre-existing brain damage (prior strokes, dementia).

Patients with more severe pre-existing brain injury are more likely to develop delirium from additional illness.

• Review Date: 4/28/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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