Delirium is an acute brain attack due to a problem in the body that alters mental status. The trigger is often a new drug or medical condition, and the change in mental function that occurs is acute, with symptoms that tend to fluctuate.
Red flags include inattention, rambling, incoherent and/or illogical speech, and an altered level of consciousness (a person with delirium may be hyper-alert or drowsy). Other symptoms include new memory problems and emotional disturbances, which may appear as fear, anger, anxiety, depression, paranoia, irritability or euphoria. Physically, the person may be hyperactive or agitated, or may be lethargic. Some patients experience hallucinations. While the symptoms of delirium and dementia are similar, delirium manifests suddenly, while dementia symptoms appear gradually, over a longer period of time.
Delirium is an acute brain attack due to a problem in the body that
alters mental status. The trigger is often a new drug or medical
condition, and the change in mental function that occurs is acute,
with symptoms that tend to fluctuate....
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