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INTRODUCTION

A confusional state, also referred to as encephalopathy or delirium, is a condition in which the level of consciousness is depressed, but to a lesser extent than in coma (unarousable unresponsiveness; see Chapter 3, Coma). In confusional states, responses to stimulation are at least semi-purposeful, whereas in coma, patients fail to respond to even painful stimulation or do so only in reflex fashion. Thus, the difference between a confusional state and coma is largely one of degree, and the causes overlap extensively.

APPROACH TO DIAGNOSIS

Evaluation of a patient with altered consciousness is aimed first at characterizing the nature of the disorder (confusional state, coma, or a more chronic condition, such as dementia) and second at determining the cause.

A confusional state is most readily distinguished from dementia by the time course of impairment: confusional states are acute or subacute in onset, typically developing over hours to days, whereas dementia is a chronic disorder that evolves over months or years.

Certain causes of confusional state must be identified urgently because they may lead rapidly to severe structural brain damage or death, which prompt treatment can prevent: examples include hypoglycemia, bacterial meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, and Wernicke encephalopathy (Table 4-1).

Table 4-1.Most Urgent Causes of Confusional States.

HISTORY

History of Present Illness

The history is important for establishing the time course of the disorder and can also provide clues to its nature and cause. A relative or friend may be the best source of information about the patient’s previous level of functioning, the time when dysfunction began, and the nature of the observed changes.

Past History

Preexisting conditions that predispose to confusional states should be noted, such as alcoholism (intoxication, withdrawal, or Wernicke encephalopathy), other drug abuse (intoxication or infection), diabetes (hypo- or hyperglycemia), heart disease (stroke), epilepsy (seizures ...

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