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delirium - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Delirium: A sudden state of severe confusion and rapid changes in brain function, sometimes associated with hallucinations and hyperactivity, in which the patient is inaccessible to normal contact. Symptoms may include inability to concentrate and disorganized thinking evidenced by rambling, irrelevant, or incoherent speech. There may be a reduced level of consciousness, sensory misperceptions and illusions, disturbances of sleep, drowsiness, disorientation to time, place, or person, and problems with memory. ...
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About delirium (Source: Medem)
Delirium is a disturbance of consciousness (awareness of the person’s environment) characterized by altered or shifting mental status and inattention (reduced ability to focus, sustain or shift attention). There are also changes in cognition (basic mental functions) such as memory impairment, disorientation to time or place, and language disturbance. There also may be disturbances of perception (accurate appreciation of the environment) such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not actually there), abnormal speech, abnormal movements (including tremors or picking at clothing), disruptive or violent behavior, and sudden shifts in emotions. To qualify for a diagnosis of delirium, the signs and symptoms must have a short onset (over a period of hours or days) and change over the course of the day. It is important to make a clear distinction between delirium and dementia (such as Alzheimer disease). Dementia is a disturbance in intellectual (thinking) functions that is usually gradually progressive over a long period. ...
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eMedicineHealth Delirium
HealthAtoZ delirium

Causes of delirium (Source: MedLinePlus)
Delirium tremens can occur after a period of heavy alcohol drinking, especially when the person does not eat enough food. It may also be triggered by head injury, infection, or illness in people with a history of heavy alcohol use. It is most common in people who have a history of alcohol withdrawal . It is especially common in those who drink the equivalent of 4-5 pints or wine or 7 - 8 pints of beer (or 1 pint of "hard" alcohol) every day for several months. Delirium tremens also commonly affects those who have had a history of habitual alcohol use or alcoholism for more than 10 years. ...
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HealthAtoZ delirium

Symptoms of delirium (Source: MedLinePlus)
Symptoms most commonly occur within 72 hours after the last drink, but may occur up to 7 - 10 days after the last drink. Symptoms may get worse rapidly, and can include: Body tremors ; Mental status changes Agitation, irritability; Confusion , disorientation; Decreased attention span ; Decreased mental status Deep sleep that persists for a day or longer; Stupor , sleepiness, lethargy; Usually occurs after acute symptoms. ; Delirium (severe, acute loss of mental functions); Excitement; Fear; Hallucinations (such as seeing or feeling things that are not present are most common); Highly sensitive to light, sound, touch; Increased activity; Mood changes rapidly; Restlessness , excitement. ; Seizures Most common in first 24 - 48 hours after last drink; Most common in people with previous complications from alcohol withdrawal; Usually generalized tonic-clonic seizures. ; Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal Anxiety ; Depression ; Difficulty thinking clearly; Fatigue ; Feeling jumpy or nervous; Feeling shaky; Headache, general, pulsating; Insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep); Irritability or easily excited; Loss of appetite ; Nausea ; Pale skin ; Palpitations (sensation of feeling the heart beat); Rapid emotional changes; Sweating , especially the palms of the hands or the face; Vomiting. Additional symptoms that may occur: Chest pain ; Fever ; Stomach pain . ...
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HealthAtoZ delirium

News on delirium
Cholesterol Drugs May Raise Post-Op Delirium Risk (MedicineNet)
Newer Sedative May Reduce Delirium in ICU Patients (MedicineNet)
Statins Help Prevent Delirium After Heart Surgery (MedicineNet)
Tests May ID Older Patients at Risk for Post-Op Delirium (MedicineNet)

Further Reading on delirium
  • Cognitive Disorders and Delirium (PDQ®) - Overview ( WebMD )
    COGNITIVE DISORDERS AND DELIRIUM ARE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE PATIENT EXPERIENCES A CONFUSED MENTAL STATE AND CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR...COGNITIVE DISORDERS AND DELIRIUM ARE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE PATIENT...
  • Dementia - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    Some cases of dementia are caused by medical conditions that can be treated , fully or partly restoring mental function . When ...They must be used carefully because they can cause delirium in people...
  • Confusion,Memory Loss,and Altered Alertness - Topic Overview ( WebMD )
    As you age, it may take you longer to retrieve memories...the most common cause of dementia in people older than age 65. Delirium is a sudden change in how well a person's brain is...determine if and...
  • Pneumonia - Topic Overview ( WebMD )
    Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick . You may cough , run a fever , and have a hard time breathing . For most ...be a change in how well they think. Confusion or delirium is common.
  • Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - Treatment Overview ( WebMD )
    Your success in treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence is strongly linked to admitting that you have a problem and your desire ...which treat withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens (DTs).


  • Sleep Disorders (PDQ®) - Overview ( WebMD )
    Sleep disturbances occur in about 12 % to 25 % of the general population [ 1 ] and are often associated with situational ...wake cycle reversals can be early signs of a developing delirium . (Refer to the...
  • Chemical Pneumonia ( WebMD )
    Chemical pneumonia is an unusual type of lung irritation caused by poisons or toxins...covering of the lungs) Headache Flu symptoms Weakness or a general ill feeling Delirium or disorientation Signs a...
  • Delirium tremens ( MedicineNet )

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