{ Bradley Neurology In Clinical Practice 5th Edition}

Acute confusional state, delirium and encephalopathy may be used interchangeably in clinical practice; however, distinction should be made between the three. Confusion is an alteration in mentation from baseline which may present as impairment in memory, attention, or awareness. Importantly confusion is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and should prompt further investigation to determine etiology. Acute confusional state refers to an acute state of altered consciousness characterized by disordered attention and diminished clarity and coherence of thought.7 Delirium is a type of acute confusional state, resulting from transient disturbances of neuronal activity, which tends to fluctuate during the course of a day.8 Individuals experience disturbances in attention and awareness not better explained by another neurocognitive disorder that does not occur with severely reduced level of arousal (i.e. coma).9 Metabolic encephalopathy encompasses delirium and acute confusional state.1,2

Each PSAP release is an online book made up of peer-reviewed chapters and electronic features covering a specific therapeutic area. Feature formats (either the interactive case or the recorded webcast) will vary by topic to provide the best method of relating information to clinical practice.

All PSAP chapters are fully referenced, with clickable hyperlinks to literature compilers such as PubMed. Other links provide ready access to clinical practice guidelines, official recommendations, and patient assessment tools. Graphic features focus on pivotal studies, patient care scenarios, and take-home points that can be readily integrated into clinical practice. 2b1af7f3a8