Read story C21: A new illness, not a bad day (image and text)
Sudden worsening during delirium recovery: when to seek help again
George has been improving, then suddenly becomes much harder to wake and follow a conversation. Pat remembers that recovery can fluctuate, but recognises a major new change. She seeks emergency help. A worsening illness or another problem may interrupt recovery; it should not automatically be dismissed as one of the ups and downs of delirium.
Story text
Panel 1. Over the past week, George has been improving.
Panel 2.
- Pat: George? Can you hear me?
Panel 3.
- Pat: He’s suddenly much harder to wake. This is different.
Panel 4.
- Pat: He was recovering from delirium. Today he became much worse.
Panel 5. The team looks for a new or worsening problem.
Panel 6.
- Clinician: There is a new illness to treat. You were right not to wait.
Bottom band. A sudden worsening during recovery needs prompt help—not an assumption that it is just fluctuation.