Delirium

Last updated: Saturday, 27, November, 2010
CausesAppropriate Tests

An acute confusional state associated with underlying illness.

Glucose, electrolytes; other investigations are targeted to the underlying condition.

Acute febrile illness, including

General illness or surgery in the elderly

Hospitalisation in the elderly

Drug reactions especially

  • Elderly patients
  • Alcohol related
  • Recreational drug abuse  

Organic brain disease, especiallyt

See Abscess

Acute psychotic states

Metabolic

  • Hepatic encephalopathy 
  • Uraemia
See Cirrhosis

Poisoning

  • Belladonna
  • Poisonous mushrooms