About this topic
Delirium is an illness where you have serious confusion. You may also have changes in how your brain works. You may have problems with thinking or speaking clearly. You may feel dazed or have a problem focusing on what others are saying. You may ramble or have thoughts that are not clear. Some people forget time or places. Others are restless or may have problems sleeping. ‚
Delirium may come on fast and can go away after a few days. But it may take a few weeks to go back to normal levels. Full recovery is common. Care for delirium is based on the cause of the illness. You may have to stop or change your drugs. You may also have to make some changes in your lifestyle. Other care may also be needed. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Ask family and friends to help by:
- Keeping your room calm, quiet, and restful
- Staying nearby until you are okay
- Having clocks and datebooks on hand. These may help you call to mind important dates or times.
- Playing soft and relaxing music
- Keeping a diary to help you recall what you did each day
- Taking you to therapy sessions
- Cooking healthy meals for you and checking your intake
- Helping you get lots of rest. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Keeping a nightlight on at night
- Having calm talks about current events and family activities
- Giving you your drugs as ordered by the doctor
- Keeping track of any changes you have. It is important to note if you are less aware than before. They will also want to watch for any change in how much you are sleeping. Also watch for if you are having problems with remembering things or not being able to pay attention. Things like changes in your mood, not being able to speak, or not making sense are important to track.
- Talking with you and your doctor about any changes in bowel or bladder control and any unusual, involuntary movements
- Go over the drugs that you take with your doctor.
- Do not drink caffeine drinks or beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may have some tests to help the doctor find causes of your delirium.
- The doctor may send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to help with low mood and worry.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help you stay calm or relaxed
- Help you stay aware
- Treat worry and low mood
- Help clear your mind
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited until you are fully recovered. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Drop in overall health
- Not able to care for self
- Not able to socialize with other people
- Not able to know who other people are
- Need for caregivers full time
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Confusion that lasts for 10 minutes or longer
- Rapid heartbeat
- Cold sweats
- Thoughts that are not normal
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Join support groups to get to know other people who have coped with delirium. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what my family and friends can do to help.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have thoughts that are not normal.
Where can I learn more?
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association ‚
http://www.hpna.org/pdf/teachingsheet_managingdelirium.pdf ‚
Journal of the American Medical Association ‚
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=186428 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚