Delirium

Delirium is a state of acute confusion that appears relatively quickly and alters attention, consciousness, and the perception of one's surroundings. It usually arises as a response to an underlying medical cause and is more common in older adults or hospitalized people.

Common symptoms: disorientation, difficulty concentrating, fluctuations in alertness throughout the day, and, at times, agitation or, on the contrary, marked drowsiness.

When to see a doctor? With a sudden change in a person's clarity or behavior, a prompt evaluation is worthwhile to identify and address the underlying cause.

Which specialist treats it? The geriatrician is key when it affects older adults, and a general practitioner can guide the initial evaluation together with other professionals depending on the origin of the condition. Since it usually reflects a treatable underlying problem, addressing it in time with a professional is essential.