Confusion overview
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Confusion overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Confusion overview |
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
Increasing age is an important predictive factor. Hospitalized elderly individuals are at higher risk. There is no significant difference in distribution basing upon sex or race. Nearly 30% of elderly patients admitted for medical conditions are confused at some point of time.
Risk factors
Risk factors for confusion are of prognostic importance. 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 affecting CNS
- Effect of medications or drugs