# Delirium --- **Delirium** is an acute state of temporary [[confusion]] that is usually reversible. It manifests as a rapid change from baseline over a short period of time. It can include waxing and waning of mentation over time (24-48 hours), like inattention, disorganized thinking, and changes to their [[level of consciousness]]. You might see things like: - confusion - saying strange things - lethargy/sleepiness ## Causes There are many causes of delirium, not all of them are very obvious. - The most common cause is a [[medicine|drug]] interaction, or by the introduction of a new drug - electrolyte imbalance - hypoglycemia - tumors - systemic infection - often the first sign of a [[urinary tract infection|UTI]], especially in the older adult where other symptoms are not as apparent for whatever reason - environmental factors - sensory deprivation - unfamiliar surroundings - emotional distress - pain - sleep deprivation ## Risk Factors - being sick enough to be in the hospital - [[dementia]] - age (most common in the very old and the very young) ___