Delirium is a disorder that usually develops in a short time and fluctuates throughout the day.
It can be caused by various factors such as head trauma, high fever, drug intoxication, drug side effects, infections, substance abuse, and surgical interventions.
In every delirium case, it is of primary importance to investigate the medical reason for which the person is experiencing delirium.
-In addition to consciousness in delirium; The ability to clearly distinguish the environment, to focus and maintain attention is impaired.
-Speech delusion is irrelevant and unrelated to each other.
-Related to visual, auditory, tactile, taste and smell They may experience hallucinations. (Usually, visual hallucinations are most common.)
-Disruptions in sleep and sleep patterns are experienced. Daytime sleepiness, nighttime awakening or excessive sleep, excessive insomnia may be experienced.
-Physically; heart palpitations, high blood pressure, excessive sweating, and an increase in body temperature may appear. p>TYPES;
HYPOACTIVE DELIRIUM;
In hypoactive delirium, the activity level of the person decreases significantly, and the person may appear completely sleepy due to inactivity, drowsiness, and even inactivity. The person in this condition may turn inward and pay attention. deficiency can be observed and intense sleep state may be observed.
Hyperactive Delirium;
It is characterized by symptoms such as agitation, restlessness and paranoia. The person is constantly in motion. He does not want to sleep or lie down. Rapid and loud speech can be observed in this type of delirium.
Mixed Delirium;
Mixed delirium includes both hypoactive and hyperactive symptoms. The person in this situation may sometimes show agitation, paranoia, hyperactivity, and sometimes sleep, inactivity, and unresponsiveness.
Symptoms are usually co-dementia patients and older people.
Substance Dependent Delirium;
Delirium that occurs after substance use usually occurs after taking very high doses of substances such as cannabis, cannabis, hashish, alcohol, cocaine, etc. Usually substance intake The delirium resolves within hours or days after the procedure.
Delirium due to substance abuse can last for a few hours or weeks.
TREATMENT;
-The aim is to find the causes of delirium and go back To prevent specific complications that may return.
-The patient's safety and comfort are important
-Determining the underlying causes of delirium,
-Monitoring the patient's mental state,
-Cooperating with the patient, their relatives and physicians,
- Eliminating the situations that may exacerbate delirium,
-Informing the patient and family about delirium is important.
-Other than these, drug treatments (appropriate depending on the patient's condition and underlying cause) can be used as treatment.
General treatment principles;
The first day is to calm the patient completely.< br /> The goal on the 2nd day is to maintain the state of sedation
Days 3-7 are aimed at oral medication, dose reduction and termination of the drug therapy in the treatment applied to the patient who is now hospitalized.
Risk Factors;
-Age
-Chronic diseases
-Dehydration
-Surgical Interventions
-Psychiatric conditions
-Substance Use
-Previous Delirium History
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