$Unique_ID{BRK00954}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{What Does the Word "Delirium" Mean?}
$Subject{delirium aging nursing home}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does the Word "Delirium" Mean?


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QUESTION:  We received a phone call from the administrator of the nursing home
in which our father now lives.  He told us Dad has become unmanageable, and
confused.  He mentioned the word "delirium" as the diagnosis.  What does this
mean and what should we do?

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ANSWER:  I am obliged to make a few guesses about your situation in the
absence of more complete information, but the question is so important that it
deserves an answer.  Delirium is sometimes used as a diagnosis for a wide
variety of symptoms stemming from different causes, but most frequently is
applied when the patient becomes confused and disoriented, lacks the ability
to concentrate, and shows abnormal thinking and loss of memory.  The pattern
of behavior is extremely variable and can change literally from hour to hour
depending upon the causes.  And the disorders which can provoke this condition
are many, including heart problems:  congestive heart failure, rhythm
difficulties, and abnormal blood pressure; infections:  pneumonia and urinary
infections to name but two; metabolic problems:  including dehydration,
anemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and chemical imbalance of vital
elements in the blood.  Problems in the central nervous system and mild
strokes may also be underlying cause for delirium, but in an elderly man, who
I must suppose takes a number of medications, it is the possibility of drug
toxicity and medication side affects that should be explored first.
Medications used for sleep, as analgesics, antihistamines, for stomach
problems, digitalis, insulin and other medications for diabetes, may all
provoke the symptoms of delirium in certain cases.  The good news is that
merely stopping these medications, or altering the dosages may speedily return
the patient to a normal pattern of thinking and behavior.  Your course of
action is clear.  Your Dad deserves a first class workup by a competent and
concerned physician that has experience in dealing with these problems.  It
may mean a trip for you to visit your Dad, but I assure you that the results
can be well worth it.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
