Delirium is a sudden state of confusion that affects attention, thinking, and behaviour. It develops quickly - over hours or days - and symptoms can come and go.
Delirium is serious and requires urgent medical attention to find and treat the cause.
Common Physiological Causes of Delirium
- Infections – Urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and viral illnesses can trigger delirium, especially in older adults.
- Metabolic Imbalances – Low sodium, calcium, or blood sugar, as well as liver or kidney failure, can lead to delirium.
- Medications – Some drugs, including sedatives, opioids, and benzodiazepines, can cause delirium, particularly in older people.
- Substance Issues – Alcohol or drug use, as well as withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, can contribute.
- Neurological Conditions – Strokes, brain tumours, head injuries, and seizures can lead to delirium.
- Sleep Deprivation – Prolonged sleep deprivation or disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle can contribute to developing delirium.
- Surgery – Some people, especially older adults, experience delirium after major surgery.
- Serious Illness or Trauma – The physiological changes associated with critical conditions like sepsis or multiple organ failure can trigger delirium.
- Low Oxygen Levels (Hypoxia) – Lung diseases or severe respiratory distress can reduce oxygen to the brain can lead to delirium.
- Dehydration – Severe dehydration, often seen in elderly people, can lead to electrolyte imbalances, contributing to delirium.
The exact processes by which physiological causes lead to delirium are complex, involving neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation and other factors affecting brain function.
Promptly identifying and treating the cause of delirium can reverse symptoms . If you or someone else shows signs of delirium, they should get medical help immediately.