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Confusion

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Head trauma
Head trauma

Alternative Names    Return to top

Disorientation; Thinking - unclear; Thoughts - cloudy

Definition    Return to top

Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity. When confused, you have difficulty focusing your attention and may feel disoriented. Confusion interferes with your ability to make decisions.

Considerations    Return to top

Confusion may come on suddenly or gradually over time, depending on the cause. Some confused people may behave aggressively.

Many times, confusion is temporary. Other times it is permanent and not curable. Confusion is more common in the elderly, and often occurs during hospitalization.

Causes    Return to top

Confusion may be caused by:

Home Care    Return to top

A good way to test to see if a person is confused is to ask the person his or her name, age, and the date. If they are unsure or answer incorrectly, they are confused.

A confused person should not be left alone. To ensure a confused person's safety, physical restraints may be required in some situations. Try to keep the surroundings calm, quiet, and peaceful.

When visiting a person whose confusion is from a chronic disease, you should always introduce yourself each time you see them, no matter how well he or she once knew you. Placing a calendar and clock near the person can help keep him or her oriented. When taking care of someone who is confused, frequently remind the person of his or her location. Talk to him or her about current events and plans for the day.

For sudden confusion due to low blood sugar (for example, from diabetes medication), the person should drink a sweet drink or eat a sweet snack. If the confusion lasts longer than 10 minutes, call the doctor.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call 911 if:

If you have had ongoing confusion that came on gradually, call for an appointment with your doctor if you have never been evaluated for this problem.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions such as:

The physical examination will include a thorough evaluation of brain and nervous system function. Neurologic tests and cognitive tests may be performed. Tests such as an MRI of the head, blood and urine tests, and an EEG may be indicated, depending upon accompanying signs and symptoms.

Prevention    Return to top

References    Return to top

Leclerc S, Lassonde M, Delaney J S et al. Recommendations for grading of concussion in athletes. Sports Med. 2001; 31: 629-636.

Bazakis AM, Kunzler C. Altered Mental Status Due to Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders. Emer Med Clinics of North America. 2005; 23(3): 901-908.

Biem J. Out of the cold: management of hypothermia and frostbite. CMAJ. 2003; 168(3): 305-311.

Update Date: 5/16/2006

Updated by: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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