Differentiating confusion from other symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Differentiating Confusion from other symptoms
Confusion : It is the inability to maintain coherent stream of thought or action. It can be caused by various conditions. Altered level of consciousness is seen in confusion. This can be predecessor for successive stupor or coma.
Delirium : Acute impairment in attention with fluctuating course and altered level of consciousness caused by a medical condition. This is also called as acute confusional state and encephalopathy.
Dementia : Chronic degenerative condition affecting memory, behavior and cognition.
Amnesia : A condition in which memory is disturbed or lost. It can be due to organic or functional.
Seizures : Certain seizures like absent seizures do present like confusion but they are not.
Careful history from the attendants is required as the person will not be in correct mental status to give history. Certain key features like onset of symptoms, rapidity of progression are important in evaluating the confusion. Gaps in memory will be pointing more towards dementia and amnesia. Association psychiatric symptoms will warrant further detailed history from the patient or his/her attendants. In children absent seizures may looked up as confusion because of vague and staring look into the space. Association of drugs , poisons or chemicals with the symptoms provide definitive clues for the diagnosis of confusion.