Overview
Delirium is a disturbance in consciousness, attention, and perception that can develop suddenly and fluctuate over a short period of time. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that often occurs in hospital settings, especially among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.
The exact cause of delirium is not known, but it is thought to result from an interaction between several factors, including underlying medical conditions, medications, substance abuse, sleep deprivation, and environmental factors such as sensory deprivation or overstimulation.
Symptoms of delirium include confusion, disorientation, altered perception (e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren't there), changes in consciousness (e.g., drowsiness to agitation), and difficulty communicating.
Diagnosis of delirium is typically based on a clinical evaluation and observation of the patient's symptoms and behaviors. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms with medications or other interventions as needed.