Acute confusion

Abstract

Delirium (also referred to as acute confusional state or toxic confusional state) is common in elderly patients admitted to hospital, and is usually secondary to an acute physical problem rather than being a primary abnormality. Physicians caring for acutely ill patients will frequently encounter those with delirium and need to be aware of the likely precipitants as well as the optimum management. We discuss the common precipitants, the clinical features, the differential diagnosis and the management of delirium.