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Delirium: acute confusion

Delirium is a term used to decide a change in thinking or consciousness that develops over a few hours or days. Delirium is not a disease. It develops as the result of an acute medical condition or drug toxicity. Sometimes it is referred to as an "acute confusion." Acute means that it happens suddenly and acute delirium should never be considered part of normal aging.

A delirious person seems less aware of what is going on around him or her. The person's attention wanders and he or she is easily distracted. Memory may be affected. There may be trouble speaking or understanding what others say. The person may be confused about where they are or what time of day or year it is. Things may be seen or heard that are not there. Older people with delirium may have mood swings and can become frightened. Sometimes they will try to run away.

Delirium has many different causes. These include:

• severe infections and high fevers
• dehydration
• diseases of the kidney or liver
• lack of certain vitamins
• seizures
• lack of oxygen
• head injury and
• reaction to drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications

Delirium may occur after surgery, especially for adults over age 65. It can also occur when people have suddenly stopped taking medications. If you have been taking a drug for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it without discussing it first with your healthcare provider.

Delirium can be very frightening. It lasts from hours to days, with a few cases stretching into weeks. Older adults and small children are more likely to have delirium when they are ill.

Contact your healthcare provider or emergency medical care immediately if someone in your family shows signs of delirium. Keep calm and try to protect them from harm and from running away.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File AGIN3370.rf2 VRS# 7813 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2000 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.