Delirium: phenomenology and diagnosis--a neurobiologic view.
Int Psychogeriatr
; 3(2): 121-34, 1991.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-1811768
ABSTRACT
"Delirium" is a reversible confusional state. It results from widespread but reversible interference with the function of cortical neurons, as documented by diffuse slowing on EEG and decreases in cerebral metabolic rate. Delirium can be due to impairments in neuronal metabolism, in neurotransmission (notably cholinergic), or in input from subcortical structures. Engel and Romano (1959) formulated delirium and dementia as the two poles of a spectrum of "cerebral insufficiency," with delirium resulting from reversible functional impairment and dementia from irreversible anatomic damage. So many disorders can precipitate delirium that the differential diagnosis tests every facet of one's knowledge of medicine. With aging, both normative changes in the brain and the increasing incidence of brain diseases predispose to the development of delirium. The brain damage responsible for a dementia can sensitize to the development of a superimposed delirium.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Encéfalo
/
Delírio
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Aged
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int Psychogeriatr
Assunto da revista:
GERIATRIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Ano de publicação:
1991
Tipo de documento:
Article