Delirium

Acute, fluctuating, and often reversible disturbance of consciousness and cognition with impaired attention, disorganized thinking, and altered perception.

Causes

• Infections

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

  • Pneumonia

  • COVID-19

  • Sepsis

• Medications/substances

  • Pain relievers

  • Sedatives

  • Steroids

  • Alcohol withdrawal

• Metabolic disturbances

  • Dehydration

  • Malnutrition

  • Electrolyte imbalance

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency

  • Thiamine deficiency

  • Kidney failure

  • Liver failure

• Neurologic/cardiovascular events

  • Stroke

  • Myocardial infarction

  • Anoxia

• Anesthesia

• Environmental factors

  • Unfamiliar environments

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Sensory deprivation (lack of glasses or hearing aids)

• Other physiological stressors

  • Pain

  • Fever

  • Urinary retention

  • Severe constipation