Essay On Delirium

Delirium is a state of mental confusion that develops quickly and usually varies in intensity and is a syndrome, or group of symptoms, initiated by a disruption in the usual performance of the brain (Delirium, 2015a). An individual suffering from delirium has a reduced awareness of and responsiveness to the environment, which may be exhibited as disorientation, incoherence, and memory disturbance (Delirium, 2015a). Hallucinations, delusions, and dream-like states are often exhibited when an individual has delirium (Delirium, 2015a). It is most often caused by physical or mental illness, and is usually temporary and reversible. Many different disorders can cause delirium and often, the conditions are ones that do not allow the brain to get oxygen or other substances (Campellone, 2014). Delirium is possibly the single most common acute disorder affecting 10-20% of all hospitalized adults, and 30-40% of elderly hospitalized patients and up to 80% of ICU …show more content…
The doctor will also identify possible contributing factors (Delirium, 2015b). After asking about medical history, the doctor will discuss medicines and substances that can worsen confusion (Campellone, 2014). Stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion, or that are not necessary, may improve mental function (Campellone, 2014). The most important part of diagnosis is determining the cause of the delirium which may involve running a series of tests which may include: blood and urine analysis for levels of drugs, fluids, electrolytes, and blood gases, and to test for infection; lumbar puncture to test for central nervous system infection; x ray, computed tomography scans (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for tumors, hemorrhage, or other brain abnormality; thyroid tests; electroencephalography (EEG); or electrocardiography (ECG) (Delirium,