See Delerium/Acute
confusional state
See Dementia
By simply adherence to a few key points, a rapid screen for organic illness can be made
Abnormal resting vital signs and orientation are an important clue to serious non-psychatric conditions
Past medical history - e.g. thyroid dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction, vasculitides/SLE, HIV/immune deficiencies, dementia, recurrent infections/
Medications/Recreational drugs - e.g. CNS depressants, alcohol, psychotropics, anticholinergics, opiates
Acute neurological symptoms - headache, photophobia, fits/faints/funny turns
Vital signs (PR, BP, SaO2, RR, Temp)
Orientation/Conscious state/GCS
Abnormal pupils - e.g. miotic, mydratic, unequal
Sweating
Neurological exam - especially nystagmus, focal neurology, ataxia, cerebellar dysfunction/incoordination
Any abnormalities of the above need to evaluated in more detail