Altered Mental Status (Confusion)
Description
Confusion, or a sudden change in mental functioning. It has many causes including: infection, adverse drug reactions, Alzheimer's, low blood pressure, brain tumor, bleeding in the brain, or hydrocephalus.
Symptoms
Confusion, excessive sleepiness, stupor, delirium, coma.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Labs and X-rays will also be performed to determine the cause such as chemistry imbalance, intoxication, infection, traumatic injury, low oxygen level, cancer, or psychiatric illness.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- D-Dimer
- BHCG
- UA
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
The goal of therapy is to reverse the offending problem, support the vital signs, and protect the patient from self harm. Treatment may include: oxygen, sedation, anti-nausea medications, mechanical intubation and intravenous fluids. If an infection is suspected antibiotics may be prescribed.
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