Delirium other diagnostic studies

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vishal Khurana, M.B.B.S., M.D. [2]; Pratik Bahekar, MBBS [3]

Overview

Investigations

To identify underlying etiology following investigations are recommended:

• Complete blood count

• Serum Calcium

• Kidney function tests

• electrolytes

• Liver function tests
• Blood sugar level
• Thyroid function tests
• Chest X‑ray
• ECG
• Blood cultures

• Urinalysis

If indicated:

• EEG

• CT head

• B12 and folate levels

• Arterial blood gases

• Specific cultures eg urine, sputum

• Lumbar puncture

EEG

EEG shows diffuse slowing. EEG is useful to differentiate delirium from following condtions:

• dementia

• non‑convulsive status epilepticus and temporal lobe epilepsy

• focal intracranial lesion, or it's a global abnormality.

EEG is not used to diagnose delirium.

Lumbar puncture

Routine LP does not provide any benefit in management of delirium. However,it's helpful in suspected meningitis, ie delirium with

• Meningism
• Headache and fever