Confusion

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Head trauma

Overview

Treatment

Confusion

Definition:

Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity. When confused, you have difficulty focusing your attention and may feel disoriented. Confusion interferes with your ability to make decisions.

Alternative Names:

Disorientation; Thinking - unclear; Thoughts - cloudy

Considerations:

Confusion may come on suddenly or gradually over time, depending on the cause. Some confused people may behave aggressively.

Many times, confusion is temporary. Other times it is permanent and not curable. Confusion is more common in the elderly, and often occurs during hospitalization.

Common Causes:

Confusion may be caused by:

Alcohol intoxication
Low blood sugar
Head trauma or head injury
Concussion
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly niacin , thiamine, Vitamin C, or Vitamin B-12
Fever
Sudden drop in body temperature (hypothermia)
Low levels of oxygen (for example, from chronic lung disorders)
Medications
Infections
Brain tumor
Illness in an elderly person
Sleep deprivation
Seizures

References:

Leclerc S, Lassonde M, Delaney J S et al. Recommendations for grading of concussion in athletes. Sports Med. 2001; 31: 629-636.

Bazakis AM, Kunzler C. Altered Mental Status Due to Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders. Emer Med Clinics of North America. 2005; 23(3): 901-908.

Biem J. Out of the cold: management of hypothermia and frostbite. CMAJ. 2003; 168(3): 305-311.

Review Date: 5/16/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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