Confusion overview

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Confusion refers to mental dysfunction in which a lack of attention and disorientation occurs with the inability to think with normal speed or clarity. It is the inability to maintain a coherent stream of thought or action.

Pathophysiology

Confusion results from global impairment of function of brain. Few areas of brain are identified for various presentations of confusion. Drugs, poisons, chemicals interact with the neurotransmitters and cause confusion. Inflammatory agents are involved in conditions like fever.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Nearly about 30% of older patients admitted for medical conditions are confused at some point of time during their admission^[1]. In surgical wards the chances of confusion ranges from 10-50%^[2]. Increasing rates are seen in patients admitted to intensive care units and in hospice care. There is no significant difference in the distribution based upon gender or race.

Risk factors

Increasing age, hospital admission, post surgical status, alcoholism, underlying brain lesion are few important risk factors. Special care is required for elderly patients who are hospitalized.

Causes

Confusion is a very common symptom of various disease and metabolic states. Causes of confusion in hospital setting may be due to underlying risk factors. In community they can be studied as primary insults to cns, metabolic conditions, effect of medications or drugs.

References

↑ Francis J (1992). "Delirium in older patients". J Am Geriatr Soc. 40 (8): 829–38. PMID 1634729. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
↑ Dyer CB, Ashton CM, Teasdale TA (1995). "Postoperative delirium. A review of 80 primary data-collection studies". Arch. Intern. Med. 155 (5): 461–5. PMID 7864702. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

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[pmid1634729-1] Francis J (1992). "Delirium in older patients". J Am Geriatr Soc. 40 (8): 829–38. PMID 1634729. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

[pmid7864702-2] Dyer CB, Ashton CM, Teasdale TA (1995). "Postoperative delirium. A review of 80 primary data-collection studies". Arch. Intern. Med. 155 (5): 461–5. PMID 7864702. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

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