Delirium Flashcards
1
Q
What is another term used synonymously with Delirium?
A
Acute Confusional State
=> Delirium/ Acute confusional state is a the global impairment of cognition, perception and conciousness which develops over hours/days
2
Q
What are the risk factors of Delirium?
A
- Age > 65
- Background of Dementia
- Significant injury eg. hip fracture
- Frailty or multi-morbidity
- Polypharmacy
3
Q
What are the causes of Delirium?
A
- Surgery
- Systemic infection
- Intracranial infection
- Drug withdrawal
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Metabolic
- Hypoxia
- Vascular
- Nutritional
4
Q
Withdrawal from what drugs may result in Delirium?
A
- Opiates
- Levadopa
- Sedatives
- Recreational drugs
5
Q
Decreased intake of which compounds may result in Delirum?
A
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Nicotinic acid
- Vitamin B12
6
Q
How is Delirium categorised?
A
- Hyepractive
- Hypoactive
- Mixed
7
Q
What are the mina differences between Delirium and Dementia?
A
=> Delirium:
- Sudden onset
- Temporary
- Reversible
=> Dementia:
- Slow onset
- Early on may be asymptomatic
- Not reversible
8
Q
What are the 3 possible theories behind the pathophysiology of Delirium?
A
- Overall reduction in levels of Acetylcholine, NA and Glutamate
- Neuronal membrane not depolarising properly
- Inflammatory cytokines released in infection cause problems with neurones
9
Q
What is the management of Delirium?
A
- Re-orientate patient
- Encourage visits from family and friends
- Monitor fluid balance and encourage oral intake
- Mobilise and encourage physical activity
- Sleep hygiene
- Watch out for infection or physical discomfort
- Review medications and discontinue ones not needed
MEDICAL:
- First line sedates => Haloperidol 0.5mg
