Delirium

Question 1

Delirium presentation

Answer 1

Memory, Aphasia, Apraxia, Agnosia, Personality changes, Hallucinations, Depression, Delusions, Seizures - same as dementia but onset, fluctuation and attention differ.

Question 2

Etiology of delirium

Answer 2

Alterations in cholinergic and NA neurotransmitters and disruption of the BBB

Question 3

Management of delirium

Answer 3

treat cause and low dose antipsychotics

Question 4

Differentiate between delirium and dementia

Answer 4

Delirium has acute onset of hours to weeks duration and fluctuates in severity. Also, impaired attention compared to dementia.