Comfusion

Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembering, and making decisions.

Considerations Confusion may come on quickly or slowly over time, depending on the cause. Many times, confusion lasts for a short time and goes away. Other times, it is permanent and not curable. It may be associated with delirium or dementia. Confusion is more common in the elderly and often occurs during a hospital stay. Some confused people may have strange or unusual behavior or may act aggressively. Causes Confusion may be caused by different health problems, such as: Alcohol or drug intoxication Brain tumor Head trauma or head injury (concussion) Fever Fluid and electrolyte imbalance Illness in an elderly person, such as loss of brain function (dementia) Illness in a person with existing neurological disease, such as a stroke Infections Lack of sleep (sleep deprivation)