ABSTRACT

Because confusion is an unfamiliar experience, it is frightening and distressing. This is as true for patients as it is for those caring for them. Confusion has three main causes: altered brain function; distraction; and brain damage. Most patients with confusion have: difficulty remembering recent events, names or people; difficulty concentrating; difficulty knowing the time and the place they are in; and difficulty interpreting what is happening around them. The two sorts of confusion are: acute confusion, and chronic confusion. The features of chronic confusion are: it develops slowly over months or years; there is no change in alertness; and there is little change in severity from hour to hour. The cause of the confusion must be searched for if possible and treated, but some problems will need more help and advice.