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Treating Sudden Confusion in Central California

Sudden confusion, or delirium, is a condition characterized by sudden memory loss or not being able to think clearly. The sudden onset of confusion can cause difficulty with thinking and being aware of your surrounding environment. Delirium can happen very rapidly or develop over the course of several hours to days.

Call 911 for any case of sudden confusion in Central California, as prompt diagnosis and care can often treat and reverse the causes of confusion.

If you need to visit the emergency room (ER), Dignity Health Central California offers an online scheduling tool, InQuicker. Just select your estimated hospital arrival time, then wait in the comfort of your own home until your time to be seen.

 

Signs of Sudden Confusion

The symptoms of confusion are often very similar to those of dementia. The most common symptoms of confusion include:

  • Sudden memory loss
  • Feeling dazed or disoriented
  • Reduced alertness
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Emotional disturbances
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Not being able to stay focused or pay attention

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or a loved one experience any of the symptoms listed above. If you would like to learn more about how to recognize the signs of confusion, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health Central California.

 

Causes of Sudden Confusion

A variety of mental and physical health conditions can contribute to sudden confusion, such as:

  • Stroke or brain bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Fever
  • Severe emotional distress
  • Physical pain
  • Dehydration
  • Heart attack
  • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Electrolyte or chemical imbalance
  • Medication overdose
  • Infections
  • Liver or kidney failure
  • Drug or alcohol abuse, overdose, or withdrawal

 If you or a loved one has dementia, the risk of experiencing sudden confusion is higher.

 

Treatment for Confusion or Delirium at Dignity Health Central California

To diagnose confusion, our doctors may perform certain examinations and make observations about symptoms. In some cases, further testing with blood work and imaging exams may help confirm a diagnosis and rule out other causes. 

For emergency care, visit one of our locations: 

A Dignity Health Central California doctor can help you or a loved one determine the cause of any symptoms and plan the right treatment.

Dignity Health Central California offers 24/7 emergency services for sudden confusion, or delirium, in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.