What Is Confusion?
Oxford dictionary defines confusion as being bewildered or unclear in one's mind about something. Confusion is a state of mind and not a disease; it usually declines the ability of a person to think, understand and remember things. Confusion can be correlated with dementia and referred to as disorientation in its early stage and delirium in the extreme or most progressed stages of the condition.
Confusion, which is also referred to as dementia, is a progressive condition affecting the brain's ability to function, resulting in inappropriate judgment, inability to make decisions, loss of memory, and behavioral changes. Individuals with confusion or delirium are usually unable to think clearly as per their general potential. Confusion can develop gradually over time or suddenly, depending on the condition's root cause. It is most commonly seen in alcoholics and older adults.
What Causes Confusion?
Confusion can be caused due to varied factors like injuries to the brain, medical conditions, drug abuse, etc. these causes are briefed below for a detailed understanding of the condition.
Injuries to the Brain
Accidents, or any trauma where the brain is injured or a sudden hit to the head, leave the brain in shock and the person in a state of confusion for a while, and the duration may be longer depending on the type and severity of the trauma. The most common type of brain injury is a concussion that causes dementia. Other mental conditions like grief and depression can also confuse.
Medical Conditions
Various medical conditions that are responsible for or have the potential to confuse are:
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Diabetes mellitus.
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Low levels of sodium and calcium in the body.
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Infections in the brain, lungs, or anywhere in the body.
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Strokes.
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Cancer.
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Problems with the heart, kidney, liver, lungs, and thyroid.
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Seizures.
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Dehydration.
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High fever.
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Sleep deprivation.
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Lack of oxygen.
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Depression.
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Dehydration.
Drugs or Medications
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Alcohol.
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Antidepressants.
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Opioid pain medicines.
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Sedatives and tranquilizers.
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Medicines for bladder control problems (anticholinergics).
What Are the Symptoms of Confusion?
Confusion can be diagnosed when a person is disoriented and has difficulty carrying out routine to his fullest potential.
Common signs and symptoms of confusion can be described as follows:
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Forget things and directions which makes it difficult for them to get back home safely, or a person tends to lose many belongings.
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Has prolonged pauses while talking.
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Slurred speech.
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Looks lost in thoughts.
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Difficulty in following conversations.
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Unsure what day or time it is.
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Uncertain of what is happening around them.
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Forgetting what the activity is being done while it is still ongoing.
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Sudden change in emotion, such as anger and agitation.
When to See a Doctor?
Confusion is critical to diagnose when it is of a sudden onset but is considered a normal behavior of that person when it develops over time. But whenever a person is suffering, or people around them notice the symptoms, they should seek medical help.
Confusion should never be ignored when accompanied by the following symptoms, as it can be life-threatening if not treated in time.
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Dizziness
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Rapid heartbeat
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Clammy skin.
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Headache.
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Shivering.
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Irregular breathing.
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Weakness on one side of the body.
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Slurred speech.
How Is Confusion Treated?
Confusion is seldom caused independently as a diseased condition. An underlying cause almost always accompanies it, so the perfect way to get rid of dementia is to treat the underlying cause first and foremost. E.g., In patients with hypoglycemia, dementia is mainly caused as a result of low blood sugar levels; thus, in such cases, if glucose supplements like candies or sugar are given to the patient, they feel better.
If it is caused by dehydration, consuming beverages can help relieve symptoms. But confusion can not always be treated at home, as severe medical conditions also can cause the disorder. It is always advised to seek medical help whenever such symptoms are noted; emergencies like concussions require medical assistance.
A treatment plan is formulated based on a clinical examination, radiography, and analysis of the injury site. Individuals with delirium need not be bedridden but need to be careful and have someone to keep them in check as they tend to forget almost everything.
1. Counseling and Therapies: Patients with confusion due to excessive consumption of alcohol or addictive substances require counseling and therapies to help them overcome their addiction; such counseling is termed psychotherapy, where an expert communicates with the subject and advises ways to modify lifestyle and habits.
2. Discontinuation of Medicines: In patients with confusion due to medicinal drugs, doctors must decide to discontinue, taper the doses, or replace the medications depending on the conditions and severity of the disease.
3. Confusion in Elderly People: As vitamin deficiency and age are also the causes of dementia, old age patients with dementia are prescribed vitamin supplements. But age-related dementia is not curable and worsens as age progresses.
Conclusion
Confusion, also termed dementia, is a medical condition caused due to various underlying factors such as an injury, concussion to the head, alcohol abuse (one of the most common causes of confusion), and patients with medical conditions like diabetes, dehydration, lack of sleep, etc. A person with this condition is almost always lost, unable to concentrate, and has memory loss. Confusion can develop suddenly after trauma or have a gradual onset. Any similar symptoms noted with someone should be treated or referred to a doctor to seek medical help. Treatment mainly concentrates on eliminating the underlying cause, as confusion is mostly a secondary condition caused due to some of the other associated factors.
