Delirium: clinical features

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Delirium: clinical features. Delirium is a disturbance of attention and consciousness. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Definition

  • Delirium is a disturbance of attention and consciousness
  • It is characterised by the reduced ability to direct, focus, sustain, and shift attention
  • It usually over hours to a few days
  • It tends to fluctuate

Types of delirium

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Cognitive and psychiatric features

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Neurological features

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Synonym

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References

  1. Young J, Inouye SK. Delirium in older people. BMJ 2007; 334:842-846.
  2. Inuoye SK. Delirium in older persons. NEJM 2006; 354:1157-1165.
  3. Wass S, Webster PJ, Balakrishnan RN. Delirium in the elderly: a review. Oman Med J 2008; 23:150-157.
  4. Bassetti CL. Differential diagnosis and management of non-psychiatric acute confusional states. Schweiz Arch Neurol Psychiatr 2007; 158:368-378.
  5. Burns A, Gallagley A, Byrne J. Delirium. JNNP 2004; 75:362-367.
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