Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity, including feeling disoriented and having difficulty paying attention, remembering, and making decisions.
See also: Dementia, for more information about chronic or long-term confusion.
Alternative NamesDisorientation; Thinking - unclear; Thoughts - cloudy
ConsiderationsConfusion may come on quickly or slowly over time, depending on the cause. Many times, confusion is temporary. Other times it is permanent and not curable. It may be associated with delirium or dementia.
Confusion is more common in the elderly, and often occurs during a hospital stay.
Some confused people may have strange or unusual behavior or may act aggressively.
Common CausesA good way to find out if someone is confused is to ask the person his or her name, age, and the date. If they are unsure or answer incorrectly, they are confused.
For sudden confusion due to low blood sugar (for example, from diabetes medication), the person should drink a sweet drink or eat a sweet snack. If the confusion lasts longer than 10 minutes, call the doctor.
A confused person should not be left alone. For safety, the person may need physical restraints.
To help a confused person:
For sudden confusion due to low blood sugar (for example, from diabetes medication), the person should drink a sweet drink or eat a sweet snack. If the confusion lasts longer than 10 minutes, call the doctor.
See also: Dementia - home care
Call your health care provider ifCall 911 if:
If you have been experiencing confusion, call for an appointment with your doctor.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe doctor will do a physical examination and ask questions such as:
Tests may include:
Inouye SK. Delirium and other mental status problems in the older patient. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 26.
Knopman DS. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 425.