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Delirium

Dongsheng Jiang, MS, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A temporary neurocognitive complication of illness and/or medication(s) manifested by new confusion and impaired attention

  • Requires evaluation to decrease morbidity and mortality

EPIDEMIOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS

  • Delirium is a diagnosis of exclusion

  • Diagnosis is made using a careful history, behavioral observation, and cognitive assessment.

    • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder...

TREATMENT

  • The best treatment is prevention:

    • There is strong evidence for multicomponent non-pharmacological interventions.

    • The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is a widely used approach  (3,4,5):

      • Addre...

REFERENCES

1
Kappen PR, Kakar E, Dirven CMF, et al. Delirium in neurosurgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosurg Rev. 2021 Aug 16.
2
American Psychiatric Association....

SEE ALSO

  • Dementia; Depression; Substance Use Disorders

  • Algorithm: Delirium

CODES

ICD10

  • R41.0 Disorientation, unspecified

  • F19.931 Oth psychoactive substance use, unsp w withdrawal delirium

  • F10.231 Alcohol dependence with withdrawal delirium

  • F05 Delirium due to known physiological...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • The criteria for delirium include an acute onset of fluctuating mental status, inattention, and either disorganized thinking or altered level of consciousness.

  • Primary treatment for del...

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