DELIRIUM

DELIRIUM: Excerpt from Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs

Ask the following questions:

1. Is there associated fever? Delirium with fever may simply indicate a self-limited infectious process, but it should bring to mind encephalitis and meningitis as well as cerebral abscess and cerebral hemorrhage.
2. Is there a history of trauma? A history of head trauma would make one suspect a subdural or epidural hematoma and concussion.
3. Is there a history of drug or alcohol ingestion? This is probably the most important single question to ask in the average case coming into the emergency room these days without a good history. Very often, the problem is alcoholism or various popular drugs such as cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and phencyclidine (PCP).
4. Are there focal neurologic signs? Focal neurologic signs along with the delirium would make one think of subdural or epidural hematoma, cerebral abscess, or cerebral hemorrhage. Remember, a cerebral thrombosis or embolism may present with delirium also.
5. Is there nuchal rigidity? If there is nuchal rigidity, the patient may have meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
6. Is there a sweet odor to the breath? A sweet odor to the breath should make one think of diabetic coma or alcoholism.
7. What is the response to intravenous thiamine? If the patient responds to intravenous thiamine, the diagnosis is usually Wernicke's encephalopathy or Korsakoff's syndrome.
8. Intermittent delirium should suggest psychomotor epilepsy and transient global amnesia.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

Routine laboratory tests include a CBC, sedimentation rate, ANA, chemistry panel including electrolytes and BUN and VDRL tests, a blood alcohol level, urinalysis, and urine drug screen. A CT scan of the brain and EEG is usually indicated also. Acute delirium may be an indication to administer intravenous glucose and thiamine. If there is fever, blood cultures and a spinal tap for analysis and culture need to be done. Arterial blood gases and carboxyhemoglobin should be determined. Generally, a neurologist or neurosurgeon should be consulted early.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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