The many faces of confusion. Timing and collateral history often hold the key to diagnosis.
Recognition of a patient's state of confusion is only the beginning of a clinical odyssey that can implicate a huge spectrum of diagnostic possibilities. Among these are delirium, depression, dementia, and sensory deprivation. However, with appropriate physical examination and laboratory studies, collateral history, and clarification of time course for the symptom complex, the cause of confusion need not remain confusing.
Bostwick
J M
JM
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. bostwick.john@mayo.edu
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003221:Confusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D003693:Delirium / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000150:complications