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Questions families ask about delirium
Straight answers to the questions that come up most. Each has its own page.
If the confusion is new and has come on over hours or days, do not read first. Get medical help now.
At the start
What should I do if someone suddenly becomes confused?
Sudden confusion needs medical help the same day. Phone their GP practice, or 111 when the practice is closed, and if the confusion is severe or they are clearly very unwell, phone 999.
What is delirium?
Delirium is sudden confusion caused by physical illness, injury or medicines. It is common, it is serious, and it often gets better once the cause is found and treated.
Is delirium the same as dementia?
No. Delirium comes on over hours or days and often gets better. Dementia develops over months and years and is long-lasting.
Can a urine infection cause confusion?
Yes, a urine infection can cause delirium in an older person. But it is often blamed when it is not the cause, and stopping there can mean the real cause is missed.
Why is my mother confused after her operation?
Confusion in the first days after an operation is usually delirium. It is common, and it often improves as the person recovers from the surgery.
While it lasts
What is the treatment for delirium?
There is no tablet that cures delirium. Treatment means finding and treating the causes, and supporting the person until the brain recovers.
How long does delirium last?
Most delirium lasts a few days. In some people it lasts weeks or months, and thinking can take longer to recover than the body.
Why is she worse in the evening?
Delirium is usually worse in the late afternoon, evening and night. A clear morning does not mean it has gone.
Why is he seeing things that are not there?
Seeing things that are not there is common in delirium. To the person, what they see feels completely real.
How can I help someone who has delirium?
A familiar face and a calm voice are treatment, not just company. Bring what helps the person make sense of the world, help them eat and drink, and tell the staff what normal looks like for them.
Is delirium a sign that someone is dying?
Delirium is common in the last days of life. It is also common in people who are seriously ill and then recover completely. On its own it does not tell you which is happening.
Afterwards
Will she get back to normal after delirium?
Many people do get back to their usual selves, though it often takes longer than families expect. Some are left with lasting changes.
Will they remember any of this?
It varies. Some people remember nothing about an episode of delirium. Others remember fragments, or remember frightening scenes very clearly.
Does delirium lead to dementia?
Having had delirium raises the risk of being diagnosed with dementia later. Most people who have delirium do not go on to develop dementia soon afterwards.
Did we cause this? Should we have spotted it sooner?
No. Delirium is caused by physical illness, injury, surgery or medicines. Almost nobody spots it early, including people who work in hospitals.
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