Medical Health Encyclopedia

Confusion

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Confusion

Definition:

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.

Alternative Names:
Disorientation; Thinking - unclear; Thoughts - cloudy

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Considerations:

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.

Common Causes:

Confusion may be caused by:

• Alcohol intoxication
• Low blood sugar
• Head trauma or head injury
• Concussion
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly niacin , thiamine, Vitamin C, or Vitamin B-12
• Fever
• Sudden drop in body temperature (hypothermia)
• Low levels of oxygen (for example, from chronic lung disorders)
• Medications
• Infections
• Brain tumor
• Illness in an elderly person
• Sleep deprivation
• Seizures

References:

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.

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