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Delirium - Overview

Alternative Names

Acute confusional state; Acute brain syndrome

Definition of Delirium:

Delirium is sudden severe confusion and rapid changes in brain function that occur with physical or mental illness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Delirium is most often caused by physical or mental illness and is usually temporary and reversible. Many disorders cause delirium, including conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen or other substances.

Causes include:

Patients with more severe brain injuries are more likely to get delirium from another illness.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/13/2008
  • Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.