Delirium

Is delirium always reversible?

[Cat365]

As I understand it delirium is by definition acute and caused by an underlying disease process. Once that cause is addressed delirium should resolve. If it doesn't resolve then it wasn't delirium. Unless the patient dies of course.

[Cat365]

Ps if that's your real name I would change it.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Delirium is dementia is not.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Delirium is reversible, provided the eight thing is done to reverse it.

Why do you ask?

[3rdshift098]

One of my professors asked me if it was always reversible and I always thought it was. She told me to look it up. From what I have found in most cases it is reversible but National Institutes of Health states, delirium is not always reversible and can result in long-term cognitive impairment. I was just curious as to how it is not reversible. A lot of articles and journals say that delirium is reversible most of the time but do not state when it does not become reversible. I am just curious if anybody else had knowledge of delirium not being reversible.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

my response should say RIGHT thing, not eight

Sometimes the cause isn't determined or proper treatment isn't determined or completed. Then the delirium goes on. Time frame is kinda flexible. I imagine the healthcare provider would keep trying to fix it.

Is hypertension always reversible? If not, when and how is it not reversible? It's a similar thing...

Edited Oct 15, 2016 by Whispera

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

Delirium is reversible, dementia is not.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Does anyone know what delirium that isn't reversed is called? I haven't been able to find the word. Dementia doesn't quite fit all the time...

[loriangel14, RN]

I quite often take care of post op seniors with delirium. You don't really have to do anything. Most just clear on their own.