Confusion is a condition where you cannot think clearly and quickly. It may look like a sense of disorientation, or with inability to stay focused, to remember events or make decisions, and may be associated with unusual or aggressive behavior.
Depending on its cause, the problem may be sudden or develop slowly. Also while in some cases the confusion is short, other times it is permanent and incurable, as in the case of some forms of dementia.
More common in old age, confusion has many possible causes: alcohol poisoning, head trauma, fever, brain tumors, water or electrolyte imbalances, dementia, stroke, infections, lack of sleep, low blood sugar or oxygen, nutrient deficiencies, convulsions, hypothermia or taking certain medications.
What kind of diseases can be associated with confusion?
The following diseases may be associated with confusion:
- Anemia
- Angina pectoris
- Atherosclerosis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Cystitis
- Diabetes
- Dyslipidemia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Stroke
- Myocardial infarction
- Heart failure
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Leukemia
- Meningitis
- Alzheimer's disease
- Pyelonephritis
- Polycythemia vera
- Pneumonia
- Pre-eclampsia
- Anger
- Sepsis
- Septic shock
- Syphilis
- Typhus
- Toxoplasmosis
- African trypanosomiasis
- Brain tumors
- Burns
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for confusion?
The best remedy depends on the cause of the confusion. In case of a problem due to a sudden drop in blood sugar (in case of treatment for diabetes) it useful to drink a sugary drink or eat a snack cake.
If a person is living with dementia, you should not leave her alone. You should always show up , know where they are, make a calendar and a clock , talk to the programs and try to keep a calm and quiet.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of confusion?
If this is the first time you have to deal with a state of confusion or if the problem lasts for more than 10 minutes is good to seek medical attention.
You should go to the emergency room if the confusion is sudden, if you suffer from diabetes, in case of head trauma or loss of consciousness, and it is associated with symptoms such as cold skin or cold sweats, dizziness, rapid pulse, fever, headache, rapid breathing or slow and uncontrollable shivering.
