DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Concentration difficulty

Why: to determine if acute or chronic. If acute in nature must consider delirium as a possible cause of concentration difficulty. Delirium is an acute confusional state due to many causes e.g. infection, drug intoxication, alcohol withdrawal, liver failure, kidney failure, hypoxia, low blood sugar, stroke, heart attack or head injury.

Why: if a child must consider attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders and inattention.

Why: are all common causes of concentration difficulties.

Why: may suggest premenstrual syndrome where the symptoms are worse before the period and are relieved with the period.

Why: may suggest Lyme disease.

Why: may indicate whiplash as possible cause of concentration difficulty.

Why: to assess possibility of stress as cause of concentration difficulty.

Why: certain medications may cause concentration difficulty e.g. anticonvulsants, anticholinergics, anti-anxiety medications, opiates.

Why: e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, generalized anxiety disorder and bipolar affective disorder.

Why: to assess chance of hangover or liver cirrhosis as the cause of concentrating difficulty.

Why: e.g. ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine.

Why: e.g. lead poisoning and carbon monoxide can cause concentration difficulties.

Why: may suggest attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Why: Depression may exhibit many of the features of an early dementia, especially concentration difficulties, memory impairment, slowed thinking and lack of spontaneity.

Why: e.g. nervousness, tremor, palpitations, hyperventilation.

Why: e.g. delusions, hallucinations and disordered thinking - may suggest schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Why: can suggest any infection that may cause delirium or meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess or brain hemorrhage.

Why: e.g. limb weakness or paralysis, facial muscle weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech and swallow.

Why: may suggest brain cancer, acute stroke, migraine or sleep apnea.

Why: e.g. loud snoring, morning headache, daytime sleepiness or poor sleep quality.

Why: may suggest chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep deprivation, depression and sleep apnea.