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Feb 5, 2022 · Many conditions or health problems can cause sudden confusion, and some are more serious than others: They include: Alcohol or drug abuse. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Very low amounts of sodium or ...
- Hypoglycemia
If you're driving and you have hypoglycemia symptoms, pull...
- Hypoglycemia
Jun 7, 2020 · Jun 7, 2020. #2. Baffled is the right word here. It just means you don't know what the reason is for something. His behaviour left me completely baffled. Confused means you get things mixed up. Two dictionaries gave me two different definitions, so no wonder I was confused. B.
- Overview
- Possible Causes
- Care and Treatment
- When to Call the Doctor
- Additional Common Questions
Confusion is a symptom that happens because of brain activity disruptions. Many conditions, events and circumstances can cause it. Some are minor and reversible, while others are permanent and severe. Recognizing this condition is important, and loved ones can play a vital role in early diagnosis and treatment of this symptom.
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OverviewPossible CausesCare and TreatmentWhen to Call the DoctorAdditional Common Questions
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What are the most common causes of confusion?
Any condition, circumstance or event that disrupts your brain function can cause confusion. That means there are dozens of potential causes. Many times, confusion involves multiple causes and factors happening at the same time. In some cases, there’s no cause that healthcare providers can find. Conditions that can cause confusion include: Alcohol intoxication and alcohol poisoning. Blood sugar level extremes, including very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Brain bleeds. Brain cancer. Brain lesions (damaged areas in the brain). Dehydration. Delirium. Electrolyte imbalances, like very low sodium (hyponatremia) or very high calcium (hypercalcemia). Endocrine disorders, like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Extreme body temperatures, including very low body temperature (hypothermia) and very high body temperature (hyperthermia). Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Hydrocephalus and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Infections — especially encephalitis and meningitis — as well as life-threatening, infection-related conditions like sepsis. Lack of blood flow, such as from any kind of stroke, especially ischemic stroke. Lack of oxygen (cerebral hypoxia). Medical and nonmedical drug use, especially with certain drugs like hallucinogens. Mental health conditions or states that involve disrupted or disorganized brain activity, like schizophrenia or psychosis. Migraines. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Organ failure, especially when it affects your kidneys or liver. Seizures, especially right after a seizure, or status epilepticus, which is a medical emergency. Toxins and poisons, like carbon monoxide, heavy metals, certain pesticides or inhalants.
How is confusion treated?
Confusion itself isn’t treated. Instead, healthcare providers treat the conditions that can cause confusion. You shouldn’t attempt to self-treat confusion unless it’s related to a condition your healthcare provider has already diagnosed. If it’s a diagnosed condition, following your healthcare provider’s guidance is the best way to manage it. Treatments vary, so look to your healthcare provider for information. They can tailor the options and their recommendations to your (or your loved one’s) needs and preferences.
Can confusion be prevented?
Confusion isn’t preventable. It happens unpredictably and often for reasons that experts still don’t understand. But you can reduce the risk of developing some conditions that can cause it. Some things you can do include: Managing your chronic conditions. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy. Wearing safety equipment as needed. Head injuries, especially concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are among the most common causes of confusion. Protect your brain from injury using safety equipment, like helmets and seat belts. Eating a balanced diet. Electrolyte imbalances and nutrient deficiencies are often avoidable (or you can reduce the risk of having them). Managing what you eat can also help avoid confusion related to many brain-related conditions, especially strokes. Staying physically active, and reach and maintain a weight that’s healthy for you. Your weight and how active you are can prevent or delay conditions that affect your brain. Healthcare providers can guide you on reaching and maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you. Avoiding substance and nonmedical drug use, and use alcohol in moderation. Substance use disorders greatly increase the risk of disruptions that can cause confusion. Remember also to take any prescription medications exactly as directed. Confusion is less likely to happen when you follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on using any medications you take. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a Primary Care Provider Schedule an Appointment
When should a doctor or healthcare provider treat confusion?
Sudden-onset confusion is always a sign that someone needs medical attention. That’s because it’s a possible symptom of dangerous or life-threatening medical emergencies like a stroke. Medical attention is also recommended when you first notice signs of confusion that develop gradually in yourself or a loved one. Once a healthcare provider diagnoses the cause (if it’s possible to find one), they can guide you on managing it. Advertisement
Confusion vs. delirium — what’s the difference?
Delirium is a specific, more severe type of confusion. It can develop when injury, illness or other factors overwhelm your brain’s ability to keep working like it should. The disruptions in brain activity are so severe, they can cause or worsen dementia in people at risk because of age or other factors. Delirium develops quickly and it can shift and change from hour to hour. Delirium and confusion aren’t the same thing, and you can have confusion without having delirium. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you recognize or suspect a loved one has confusion — especially when it begins or worsens quickly — it’s important to get medical attention immediately. Confusion can affect memory, thinking and more. With medical care, many causes of confusion are temporary or reversible. While it can be scary to see a loved one who has this symptom, your loved one’s healthcare provider can guide you on what you can do to help manage this symptom. Ongoing research offers hope of treating permanent or serious causes of confusion. It could also make it possible to delay how it worsens, offering renewed hope and opportunities in years to come. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/21/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
Get medical help if someone suddenly becomes confused or delirious. Some of the most common causes of sudden confusion include: an infection – urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause in older people or people with dementia. a stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke") a low blood sugar level in people with diabetes. a head injury.
Jun 12, 2021 · You can also stick with confuse, which is appropriate for mixing up two things. confuse (v.) If you confuse two things, you get them mixed up, so that you think one of them is the other one. I always confuse my left with my right. Collins. To mix up in the mind, to fail to distinguish, erroneously regard as identical, mistake one for another.
Apr 11, 2022 · On the left!,’ half the people will look the wrong way.”. As a work-around, the captain tells everybody the front of the boat is the number 12 on a clock and shouts, “There! At 10 o’clock ...
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What does it mean if you confuse two things?
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What causes sudden confusion?
What is confusion & why is it important?
What causes confusion if you don't understand a topic?
What causes confusion in the brain?
It is a psychological and emotional state that arises when individuals encounter contradictory or ambiguous information, overwhelming situations, or complex problems without clear solutions. Confusion can manifest in various aspects of life, including thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and decision-making processes. Causes of Confusion.
