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What is Delirium?
Understanding Delirium
Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. It is an acute, fluctuating, and often reversible condition that comes on quickly, usually within hours or days. Delirium can be distressing for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones, and it often signals an underlying medical issue that needs urgent attention.Causes and Risk Factors
Numerous factors can lead to delirium. Common causes include severe illnesses, infections, surgery, medications, substance abuse, or withdrawal. Older adults, especially those with pre-existing cognitive impairments such as dementia, are at a higher risk of developing delirium. Other contributing factors may include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, sleep deprivation, and severe pain.Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of delirium can vary but often include sudden changes in attention and alertness, disorganized thinking, and perceptual disturbances such as hallucinations or delusions. Individuals may experience rapid mood swings, from agitation to lethargy. Symptoms tend to fluctuate in severity, sometimes improving during the day and worsening at night, a phenomenon known as "sundowning."Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing delirium involves a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, physical exams, and cognitive assessments. Clinicians may use tools like the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) to aid in diagnosis. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, providing supportive care, and ensuring a safe environment. Medications may be used to manage severe agitation or psychotic symptoms, but they are typically a last resort.Prevention and Management
Preventive measures are crucial for individuals at high risk of delirium. These may include ensuring proper hydration, proper pain management, minimizing the use of certain medications, and maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle. Families and caregivers play a pivotal role in managing and preventing delirium by providing a familiar environment, encouraging regular orientation, and staying vigilant for early signs and symptoms. Delirium is a medical emergency that warrants prompt attention to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Recognizing the signs and understanding the risk factors can lead to timely intervention and better management of this condition.Frequently Asked Questions
What is delirium?
Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including illness, medications, and substance abuse.
What are the main symptoms of delirium?
The main symptoms include sudden confusion, difficulty focusing, changes in alertness, hallucinations, disturbed sleep patterns, and mood swings.
Who is at risk of developing delirium?
Older adults, especially those with dementia, are particularly at risk. Other risk factors include severe illness, surgery, hospitalisation, and the use of certain medications.
How is delirium diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made based on medical history, a physical examination, mental status exams, and sometimes additional tests to identify the underlying cause.
Can delirium be treated?
Yes, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, providing supportive care, and managing symptoms through medications, hydration, nutrition, and ensuring a calm and safe environment.
What causes delirium?
Causes can include infections, dehydration, medications, surgery, substance withdrawal, metabolic imbalances, and severe pain or stress.
Can delirium be prevented?
Preventive measures include managing risk factors, ensuring proper hydration and nutrition, minimising the use of potentially harmful medications, and maintaining a calm and familiar environment for at-risk individuals.
How long does delirium last?
The duration can vary widely. Acute delirium may resolve in a few days, but some cases can last weeks or even months, especially if the underlying cause is not promptly or effectively treated.
Is delirium the same as dementia?
No, delirium is a sudden and often reversible condition, while dementia is a gradual and generally irreversible decline in mental function.
What should I do if I suspect someone has delirium?
Seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes. Ensure the person is in a safe environment while waiting for medical help.
Can delirium occur in younger people?
Yes, while it is more common in older adults, delirium can affect people of any age, especially those who are severely ill or have undergone major surgery.
Does delirium cause permanent damage?
In many cases, delirium is reversible and does not cause permanent damage if treated promptly. However, prolonged or severe delirium can sometimes lead to lasting cognitive impairment.
Are there different types of delirium?
Yes, delirium can be classified as hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed, based on the level of activity and alertness. Hyperactive delirium includes heightened arousal and restlessness, hypoactive includes reduced activity and lethargy, and mixed includes signs of both.
What role do family members play in managing delirium?
Family members can provide important support by helping keep the environment calm and familiar, ensuring proper hydration and nutrition, and communicating with healthcare providers about the patient's medical history and changes in condition.
Where can I find more information about delirium in the UK?
Reliable sources of information include the NHS website, healthcare professionals, and organisations such as Age UK or the Alzheimer's Society, which provide resources and support for those affected by delirium.
Useful Links
Useful links from: What is Delirium
- NHS - Delirium An overview of delirium, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options provided by the National Health Service (NHS).
- Age UK - Delirium Information on delirium, including symptoms, causes, prevention, and how to care for someone with delirium, provided by Age UK, a leading charity for older people.
- Alzheimer's Society - Delirium Details about delirium, especially in the context of dementia, including its symptoms, causes, and ways to manage it, provided by the Alzheimer's Society.
- Mind - Delirium Information about delirium, its symptoms, treatment, and support for those affected provided by Mind, a mental health charity in the UK.
Useful links from: How do you spot delirium
- NHS - Delirium This NHS page provides detailed information on delirium, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek medical advice.
- Age UK - What is Delirium? This Age UK page offers a comprehensive overview of delirium, including risk factors, symptoms, and tips for caregivers on how to manage and support someone with delirium.
- Alzheimer's Society - Delirium This Alzheimer's Society page explains the relationship between delirium and dementia, with advice on recognizing symptoms, preventative measures, and managing delirium in individuals with dementia.
- Mind - Understanding Delirium This Mind page provides an in-depth look at delirium, detailing causes, symptoms, treatments, and advice on what to do if you’re experiencing or caring for someone with delirium.
Useful links from: Delirium: A Patient Story at Leicester's Hospitals
- NHS: Delirium NHS guide on understanding delirium, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments.
- Leicester's Hospitals: Delirium Information from Leicester's Hospitals detailing what delirium is, as well as patient stories and care guidelines.
- Age UK: Understanding and Managing Delirium Age UK offers insights into the causes, symptoms, and management of delirium, especially in older people.
- Alzheimer's Society: Delirium The Alzheimer's Society provides information on how delirium is related to dementia, its impacts, and guidance for caregivers.
Useful links from: Experiencing delirium after surgery
- NHS - Delirium Comprehensive information on delirium, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, specifically from the NHS.
- Age UK - Delirium Age UK provides details on delirium, emphasizing how it affects older adults, and offers support and advice for patients and caregivers.
- Royal College of Psychiatrists - Delirium The Royal College of Psychiatrists' resource on delirium, containing in-depth information about symptoms, who is at risk, and management strategies.
- NHS Inform - Delirium after Surgery NHS Inform provides details about the causes, symptoms, and management of delirium specifically after surgical procedures.
Useful links from: The Delirium Question on Patientrack
- NHS - Delirium Comprehensive information on delirium, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Provides resources for patients and carers.
- Patientrack - Delirium Monitoring Detailed overview of how Patientrack is used to monitor and manage delirium in hospital settings. Information on improving patient safety and outcomes.
- Alzheimer's Society - Delirium Information focused on the relationship between dementia and delirium, along with practical guidance and support for caregivers and families.
- Age UK - Delirium in Older Adults Resource on delirium targeted at older adults, offering advice on prevention, early signs, and what to do if delirium is suspected.
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- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
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