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Review
. 2022 Feb;40(1):45-57.
doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2021.08.004.

Approach to Altered Mental Status and Inpatient Delirium

Sara C LaHue  1 , Vanja C Douglas  2
Affiliations
Review

Approach to Altered Mental Status and Inpatient Delirium

Sara C LaHue et al. Neurol Clin. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Altered mental status is a nonspecific diagnosis that encompasses a wide spectrum of disease and is frequently cited as a reason for both hospital admission and inpatient neurologic consultation. There are numerous etiologies of altered mental status, and so although many are facile with the workup of this potentially life-threatening entity, it can nevertheless be overwhelming. Our goal was to provide a practical framework embedded in a current, comprehensive review of the epidemiology, clinical evaluation, and management of undifferentiated altered mental status. We pay particular attention to the management of a critical yet underdiagnosed subtype of altered mental status: delirium.

Keywords: Altered mental status; Delirium; Elderly; Encephalopathy; Hospitalized; Inattention; Inpatient; Postoperative.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Dr LaHue has nothing to disclose. Funding for Dr Douglas: Sara & Evan Williams Foundation Endowed Neurohospitalist Chair.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Delirium care pathway.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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