Disorders that cause delirium are numerous and varied. They may include conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen or other substances. Treatment of causative disorders and conditions reduces the risk of delirium. Psychologic studies and tests of sensation, cognitive function, and motor function may be abnormal. The goal of treatment is to control or reverse symptoms.
Treatment varies with the specific condition causing delirium.
The person should be in a pleasant, comfortable, nonthreatening, physically safe environment for diagnosis and initial treatment. Hospitalization may be required for a short time. The cause should be identified and treated. Stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion , or that are not essential to the care of the person, may improve cognitive functioning even before treatment of the underlying disorder. Medications that may worsen confusion include anticholinergics, analgesics , cimetidine, central nervous system depressants, lidocaine, and other medications.