Delirium DDx

Delirium – Differential Diagnosis

Common causes

Must Not Miss

Easily missed

Red flags

  • Rapid deterioration
  • Hypoxia (Dyspnoea, Cyanosis)
  • Chest pain, Collapse
  • Neurological deficit
  • Seizures
  • Fever
  • Alcohol dependence
  • Hallucinations
  • Risk to self or others

Investigations to consider

  • FBC, CRP/ESR
  • U+Es, LFTs, TFTs, Bone profile,
  • Serum glucose, B12 + Folate
  • Troponin /cardiac enzymes
  • Medication levels (e.g. Digoxin)
  • Toxicology screen
  • Urinalysis/culture
  • ECG
  • CXR
  • CT scan
  • MRI