Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Delirium

Definition

Delirium is a transient, abrupt, usually reversible syndrome characterized by a disturbance that impairs consciousness, cognition (ability to think), and perception.

Description

The word delirium is derived from the Latin delirare which literally translates "to go out of the furrow." Delirium is typically an acute change in thinking with a disturbance in consciousness. Delirium is not a disease, but a syndrome that can occur as a result of many different underlying conditions. Typically, there is a broad range of accompanying symptoms. Delirium is also called acute confusional state. Delirium is a medical emergency and affects 10–30% of hospitalized patients with medical illness. It is a widespread condition that affects more than 50% of persons in certain high-risk population. Often the condition can be reversed, but delirium is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates.