Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity, including feeling disoriented and having difficulty paying attention, remembering, and making decisions.
Alternative Names: Disorientation; Thinking - unclear; Thoughts - cloudy
Considerations:
Confusion may come on quickly or slowly over time, depending on the cause. Many times, confusion is temporary. Other times it is permanent and not curable.
Confusion is more common in the elderly, and often occurs during a hospital stay.
A good way to find out if someone 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. For safety, the person may need physical restraints.
To help a confused person:
Always introduce yourself, no matter how well the person once knew you.
Often remind the person of his or her location.
Place a calendar and clock near the person.
Talk about current events and plans for the day.
Try to keep the surroundings calm, quiet, and peaceful.
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.
Call your health care provider if:
Call 911 if:
Confusion has come on suddenly or there are other symptoms such as:
Cold or clammy skin
Dizziness or feeling faint
Fast pulse
Fever
Headache
Slow or rapid breathing
Uncontrolled shivering
Confusion has come on suddenly in someone with diabetes.
Confusion came on after a head injury.
The person becomes unconscious at any time.
If you have been experiencing confusion, call for an appointment with your doctor.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The doctor will do a physical examination and ask questions such as:
Does the person get days and nights mixed up? Is he or she awake during the usual sleep time?
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Get enough sleep.
Keep careful control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Quit smoking, which puts you at greater risk for lung diseases.
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.
Review Date: 2/13/2008 Reviewed By: 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.
