Question 1

what is delirium?

Accepted Answer

Brain failure: Icu psychosis and brain failure are synonyms. It is more common in the elderly. . It is a state of mind where the patient develops veritable levels of confusion, memory loss and disorientation to time, place and person. It can be associated with hallucinations. Caused by an insult to the brain i.e. Medication, metabolic , other systemic diseases . It is important to treat.

Question 2

how is delirium treated?

Accepted Answer

Treat cause: Delireum can be caused by alot of things.
Infection, medication, anesthesia? It's a pretty long list. You have to treat the underlying cause.

Question 3

how is delirium diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Thorough evaluation : Delirium is diagnosed by a doctor after careful evaluation of the patient, often with input of involved family members or caregivers. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms of disturbance of consciousness and cognition and consider the time course and presence of other factors such as substance intoxication, medication use, fever, and other general medical problems.

Question 4

what is delirium nocturnum?

Accepted Answer

Going nuts at night.: Delirium is a term used for abrupt onset of a confused, disoriented, psychotic (out of touch with reality) state.  It is usually short lived, but depending on what kind of delirium, it could be very serious, even fatal (such as delirium tremens caused by abrupt untreated alcohol withdrawal).  D. Nocturum is also called sun downing, where certain people develop delirium around sundown.  Needs doc.

Question 5

what is a cause of delirium?

Accepted Answer

Very long list: There are many causes of delirium.  Toxins, infections, trauma, medications, drugs, alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, endocrinologic, neoplastic, etc.   Already having a dementia or other medical illness can increase the likelihood of delirium.  It is an acute medical emergency, and requires examination to determine and treat the cause.   For more info: http://tinyurl.Com/95f95r.

Question 6

can pain make delirium worse?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!: Very ill or aged folk can have delirium triggered by minor additional symptoms and pain is a common one. Management can be difficult w/out extreme sedation and that can risk or hasten death. But it can pass - it is a mental state - not a disease in itself. Try to keep the situation as calm and peaceful as possible. Try to recall the good times and stories of such a long life - that might help.

Question 7

what  are the complications of delirium?

Accepted Answer

It is serious: And it can lead to temporary or permanent loss of functioning and dementia if not recognized and treated. One study shows that if symptoms do not resolve in 2 weeks there is a permanent loss of functioning in older adults.

Question 8

what causes someone to have acute delirium?

Accepted Answer

An illness: Delirium is a syndrome that involves confusion, poor attention, and other symptoms. It is most often seen in seeverely ill people who are hospitalized. Drug use and drug withdrawl can also cause it. People with dementia and other brain illnesses are at highest risk.

Question 9

are people generally hospitalized for delirium?

Accepted Answer

If acute and serious: There are many causes for delirium.  Most common would be drug toxicity.  This can be very serious and need acute medical care.  Withdrawal from alcohol produces delirium that can cause serious medical complications.  Infections of the brain can present with delirium and progress to coma.  Patients with long standing psychiatric disease or dementia do not need hospitalization.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: delirium?

Accepted Answer

Delirium: Delirium is a reversible condition whereby a patient is confused.  It can be due to medication problems, metabolic disturbances, oxygenation, etc.  It should be contrasted with dementia.

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Delirum

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What is delirium?

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What is delirium nocturnum?

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What is a cause of delirium?

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Can pain make delirium worse?

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What are the complications of delirium?

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What causes someone to have acute delirium?

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Are people generally hospitalized for delirium?

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What is the definition or description of: delirium?

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