Thoughts - cloudy
Key points
- Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity.
- Confusion may come on suddenly or gradually over time, depending on the cause.
- A good way to test to see if a person is confused is to ask the person his or her name, age, and the date.
- If you have had ongoing confusion that came on gradually, call for an appointment with your doctor if you have never been evaluated for this problem.
Alternative names
Disorientation; Thinking - unclear; Confusion
Definition
Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity. When confused, you have difficulty focusing your attention and may feel disoriented. Confusion interferes with your ability to make decisions.
Considerations
Confusion may come on suddenly or gradually over time, depending on the cause. Some confused people may behave aggressively.
Many times, confusion is temporary. Other times it is permanent and not curable. Confusion is more common in the elderly, and often occurs during hospitalization.
Common Causes
Confusion may be caused by:
- Alcohol intoxication
- Low blood sugar
- Head trauma or head injury
- Concussion
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly niacin , thiamine, Vitamin C, or Vitamin B-12
- Fever
- Sudden drop in body temperature (hypothermia)
- Low levels of oxygen (for example, from chronic lung disorders)
- Medications
- Infections
- Brain tumor
- Illness in an elderly person
- Sleep deprivation
- Seizures
Home Care
A good way to test to see if a person 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.
A confused person should not be left alone. To ensure a confused person's safety, physical restraints may be required in some situations. Try to keep the surroundings calm, quiet, and peaceful.
When visiting a person whose confusion is from a chronic disease, you should always introduce yourself each time you see them, no matter how well he or she once knew you. Placing a calendar and clock near the person can help keep him or her oriented. When taking care of someone who is confused, frequently remind the person of his or her location. Talk to him or her about current events and plans for the day.
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.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.