ACUTE DELIRIUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Acute delirium is a medical condition characterized by a sudden onset of confusion, restlessness, and altered mental state. It is a complex disorder that manifests as a disturbance in attention, cognition, and consciousness. This condition typically develops over a short period, ranging from a few hours to a few days, and is often reversible if the underlying cause is identified and treated promptly.
The hallmark symptoms of acute delirium include disorientation, difficulty in maintaining a coherent conversation, impaired memory, and reduced ability to focus or concentrate. Individuals experiencing acute delirium may also exhibit fluctuations in their level of consciousness, ranging from hyperactive agitation to hypoactive withdrawal. They might struggle with abrupt changes in sleep patterns, excessive drowsiness, and hallucinations.
Acute delirium can result from various factors, including infections, drug intoxication or withdrawal, severe metabolic imbalances, or underlying medical conditions such as kidney or liver failure. It is particularly common among older adults, those with pre-existing cognitive impairment, or individuals in critical care settings.
The treatment of acute delirium involves addressing the underlying cause, providing supportive care, and managing symptoms to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. This may involve medications to stabilize their condition, managing pain or discomfort, addressing any infections, and maintaining a calm and structured environment.
Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial in managing acute delirium, as delays in treatment can lead to complications, prolonged recovery, or even potential mortality. Regular assessment and follow-up are essential in monitoring the progression and resolution of symptoms.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACUTE DELIRIUM
- zcute delirium
- scute delirium
- wcute delirium
- qcute delirium
- axute delirium
- avute delirium
- afute delirium
- adute delirium
- acyte delirium
- achte delirium
- acjte delirium
- acite delirium
- ac8te delirium
- ac7te delirium
- acure delirium
- acufe delirium
- acuge delirium
- acuye delirium
- acu6e delirium
- acu5e delirium
Etymology of ACUTE DELIRIUM
The word "acute delirium" consists of two distinct components:
1. Acute: The term "acute" comes from the Latin word "acutus", which means sharp or pointed. In the medical context, "acute" refers to a condition or disease that has a sudden onset and usually a short duration.
2. Delirium: The word "delirium" has its roots in the Latin word "delirare", meaning "to go out of the furrow" or "to become deranged". It originated from the combination of "de" (meaning "out of") and "lira" (meaning "furrow" or "track"). Over time, "delirium" evolved to refer to a state of severe confusion and agitation, often characterized by disorientation, hallucinations, and impaired cognition.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
