Preparation for Child Psych PRITE and Boards
Revision as of 18:40, 11 July 2011 by Eugene Grudnikoff MD (Talk | contribs)
Introduction
Altered mental status (AMS) is broad term with many causes and manifestations. Delirium is one serious cause of AMS.
Delirium is an acute, fluctuating change in cognition, accompanied by impaired attention and consciousness. (1)
Definitions
The above definition of delirium makes reference to the main components of "altered mental status."
- Level of consiousness, or arousal and attention is the first component. The spectrum of level of consiousness includes hyperalert > alert and attentive > lethargic > stuporous > comatose.
- Content of consiousness or cognition, incudes memory, orientation, and language.
References
1. Wilber ST. Altered Mental Status in Older ED Patients. Emerg Med Clin N Amer.24(2006) 299-316