Delirium (acute confusion)
Common causes of sudden confusion
The most common causes of sudden confusion are:
- a lack of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia) the cause could be anything from a severe asthma attack to aproblem with the lungs or heart
- an infection anywhere in the body, especially in elderlypeople
- a stroke or TIA ("mini stroke")
- a low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia)
- diabetic ketoacidosis , aserious complication of diabetes caused by a lack of insulin in the body
- certain medications , including digoxin, diuretics, steroids, and opiates
- alcohol poisoning or alcohol withdrawal
- drug misuse
This information should give you a better idea of the cause of someone's confusion, but shouldn't be used as a diagnostic tool. Always see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information on acute (sudden) confusion, with links to other useful resources.
What to do if someone is showing signs of confusion
If the confusion has come on suddenly, take them to your nearest hospitalor call 999 for an ambulance, especially if they're showing other signs of illness such asa fever, or their skin or lips are tu
Common causes of sudden confusion
The most common causes of sudden confusion are: a lack of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia) the cause could be anything from a severe asthma attack to aproblem with the lungs or heart an infection a
More unusual causes of sudden confusion
Less common causes of sudden confusion are: an infection of the brain or its lining (encephalitis or meningitis) an imbalance of salts and minerals in the blood a severely underactive thyroid g
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products