Confusion laboratory findings

Confusion Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Confusion from other Symptoms
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Confusion laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Confusion laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Confusion laboratory findings
CDC on Confusion laboratory findings
Confusion laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Confusion laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Confusion
Risk calculators and risk factors for Confusion laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ;

Laboratory tests

A large number of tests are needed in presentations of confusion. Most of the tests are to determine the cause of confusion. Careful history can reduce the burden of unnecessary tests.

• Blood tests include routine tests like CBC to assess general condition.

• Serum creatine, glucose, calcium , electrolytes.

• Blood for toxins and drugs.

• Urine analysis and culture.

• Blood culture if infectious cause has to be evaluated.

• Blood gas analysis if any metabolic derangement are suspected.

• Vitamin assays and cholesterol levels may indicate nutritional status.

• Renal function tests and liver function tests are useful if they are the cause of confusion.

• Assesment of hormone levels may be usefull espicecially thyroid.

• In cases of brain infections lumbar puncture is done and fluid is evaluated.