Altered mental status in older emergency department patients.
This article reviews the significance of altered mental status in older emergency department patients. Specific diagnoses are discussed, including delirium, stupor and coma, and dementia, with a focus on delirium. Finally, an approach to all older patients is suggested that should result in increased clinician comfort with older patients, improved ability to communicate with other physicians, increased quality of care, and improved patient and family satisfaction.
Wilber
Scott T
ST
Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, 4209 Street Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA. wilbers@summa-health.org
D000368:Aged; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology