Alteration in Mental Status

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Reviewed By:

Bret Mobley

Bret Mobley, MD, MS (Neuropathology)

Dr. Mobley graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, completing a masters degree in neuroscience between his second and third years of medical school. He trained as a resident in pathology at Stanford University Hospital before joining the faculty of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee in 2010. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018 and to Neuropathology Division Director in 2020.

Shohei Harase

Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)

Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.

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  • Doesn't know where he/she is

  • Doesn't know who he/she is

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Content updated on Jan 4, 2023

About the symptom

Altered mental status is when the brain doesn't function normally. This includes confused thinking, reduced awareness, disorientation, and drowsiness. There are many causes, including infection, blood sugar changes, and dehydration.

When to see a doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

  • Recent changes in mental state

Possible causes

  • Dissociative disorder

    Dissociative disorder is mental disorder that involve experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity. People with dissociative disorder escape reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life.

  • Alzheimer dementia (AD)

    Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. The brain shrinks affecting memory and behavior. Symptoms worsen over time, and can interfere with daily life. Increasing age increases the risk for Alzheimer dementia.

  • Anorexia nervosa / bulimia nervosa

    A condition where there is abnormal fear of gaining weight. Patients try to lose weight excessively through fasting, inducing vomiting, or excessive exercise.

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
  • Cushing syndrome
  • Alcohol dependence / delirium tremens

Related serious diseases

Questions your doctor may ask about this symptom

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom

  • Recently, are you more confused than before?

  • Do you feel fatigued?

  • Do you have difficulty sleeping (Insomnia)?

  • Do you have less or no appetite, therefore eat less food?

  • Do you feel tired almost every day and unmotivated to do anything?

Other Related Symptoms

Similar symptoms or complaints

Reviewed By:

Bret Mobley

Bret Mobley, MD, MS (Neuropathology)

Dr. Mobley graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, completing a masters degree in neuroscience between his second and third years of medical school. He trained as a resident in pathology at Stanford University Hospital before joining the faculty of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee in 2010. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018 and to Neuropathology Division Director in 2020.

Shohei Harase

Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)

Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.

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