Common cognitive issues (delirium)
The word “delirium” is used to describe a severe state of confusion.
What is delirium?
People with delirium:
- Cannot think clearly
- Have trouble paying attention
- Have a hard time understanding what is going on around them
- May see or hear things that are not there. These things seem very real to them.
Delirium also often causes patients to feel frightened, angry, lonely and ashamed.
Delirium is common:
About 2 out of 3 patients in ICUs get delirium.
Seven out of 10 patients get delirium while they are on a breathing machine or soon after. It can continue to affect patient even after they have left the ICU to go to the ward.
Experts think delirium is caused by a change in the way the brain is working.
This can be caused by:
Less oxygen to the brain
The brain’s inability to use oxygen
Chemical changes in the brain
Certain medicines
Infections
Severe pain
Medical illnesses
Alcohol, sedatives, or pain killers
Withdrawal from alcohol, nicotine