Common causes of acute confusion/delirium

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Common causes of acute confusion/delirium at presentation (they may all progress to coma)

  • CNS infection (malaria; meningitis including TB meningitis; encephalitis; HIV-related infections

  • Systemic infections

  • Hypoxia

  • Metabolic causes (e.g. hypoglycaemia, hyerglycaemia)

  • Alcohol excess or withdrawal

  • Drugs

  • Head injury/concussion

  • Stroke

  • Mental illness such as schizophrenia

  • Raised intracranial pressure

  • Epilepsy (post-ictal)

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