Published on: September 24, 2021

DELIRIUM

DELIRIUM

What :

  • Disturbance in mental state
  • Person is confused, agitated and unable to think clearly.
  • Start is usually rapid that is within hours or a few day
  • Traced to one or more contributing factors like a severe or chronic illness; changes in metabolic balance like low sodium; infection, medication, surgery, alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.

Symptoms :

  • Similar to dementia
  • fluctuate throughout the day
  • Periods of no symptoms as well
  • Some of the major signs and symptoms include:
    • Inability to stay focused on single topic or to switch topics
    • Getting stuck on an idea rather than responding
    • Being easily distracted by unimportant things

Causes :

  • Certain medications or drug toxicity
  • Alcohol or drug intoxication
  • Medical condition, like stroke, heart attack, lung or liver disease,
  • Metabolic imbalances, low sodium or low calcium
  • Malnutrition or dehydration

What is in news : According to a study, published in the journal BMJ Open, out of 150 patients hospitalised for Covid in the United States in the initial phase of the pandemic, 73 per cent had delirium.