Confusion
Alternative Names:
Disorientation
Definition:
Confusion is an abnormal mental state characterized by disorientation in regard to time, location and memory. Patients experiencing confusion may be unable to identify themselves or their surrounding location, and may act aggressively in some cases. Confusion may onset suddenly or may develop and progress slowly over time.
Depending upon the cause, confusion may be temporary or irreversible.
Symptoms:
Patients with confusion may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Inability to express clear thoughts
- Inappropriate or bizarre behavior
- Inability to recall familiar information or perform regular tasks
- Reduced reasoning
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know exhibits the following symptoms, as they may be indications of a serious medical emergency:
- Sudden, unexplained onset of confusion
- Cold or clammy skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Headache
- Breathing changes
- Shaking
- Dizziness or fainting
- Numbness or weakness located on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
- Sudden, severe headache
Exams/Testing:
Patients seeking medical attention due to confusion will generally undergo a physical evaluation as well as a thorough medical history review. Due to the specific nature of confusion, a loved one or caregiver may need to accompany the patient on this doctor’s visit.
If this evaluation is not sufficient enough to determine the underlying cause of confusion, a variety of additional tests may be performed including:
- Neurologic tests, which can help detect brain or nervous system abnormalities
- Cognitive tests, which measure a patient’s reasoning abilities and judgment
- MRI, which can provide a detailed image of the brain and nearby tissue
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain
Outlook/Prognosis:
In many cases confusion is only temporary and will subside without treatment.
Diabetic patients experiencing confusion as a result of low blood sugar can help alleviate symptoms by consuming a sweet snack or liquid.
Patients can also help prevent the future onset of confusion through certain lifestyle changes. Some of these include:
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting adequate sleep and rest
- Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly if you are diabetic
- Reducing your risk of lung disease by quitting smoking
In patients with irreversible conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or other similar illnesses, confusion may be a chronic and constant fact of life. However, loved ones and caregivers may be able to reduce symptoms of confusion through the use of measures that help patients remain oriented. These include making frequent personal introductions, reminding patients of familiar information and keeping patients conscious of the time and date.
Causes (specific drugs):
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