Acute Confusional State

Acute confusional state, also called delirium, is a sudden alteration of attention and consciousness in which the person becomes disoriented, has difficulty concentrating, or perceives reality in a distorted way. It usually develops over hours or days.

Warning signs: Disorientation in time or place, difficulty following a conversation, drowsiness or agitation, and changes in mood or behavior.

Common causes: Infections, dehydration, metabolic disturbances, medication effects, or neurological diseases, especially in older adults.

When to seek care? It is a situation that requires prompt evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

Which specialist treats it? The internist and the neurologist usually evaluate this condition and look for its origin. In the face of a sudden change in a family member's clarity, the most sensible thing is to seek medical care immediately.