Alteration in Mental Status

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, such as 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

Generally, Alteration in mental status can be related to:

• Sleep Disorder

  Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quality, timing, or duration of your sleep, impacting your ability to function when you're awake. There are many types of sleep disorders, including disturbances in sleep quality or quantity, excessive daytime sleepiness, abnormal behaviors during sleep, sleep disorders related to mental disorders, and more.

• Adjustment Disorder

  A psychological disorder, often with low mood and anxiety. It is triggered by a sudden change in life circumstances, e.g. divorce or losing a job.

• Depression

  Depression is a mental illness that leads to low mood, reduced energy levels, and changes in sleep. This affects everyday activities like attending school and work. As the condition worsens, patients might have suicidal thoughts. Although stress and past trauma can cause depression, it can take time to identify and address causes, and genetic factors may also be at play.

• Alcohol Dependence / Delirium Tremens
• Dissociative Disorder
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Concussion
• Graves' Disease

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Alteration in mental status may be related to these serious diseases:

• Meningitis

  Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membrane (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, brain injuries, cancer, and certain drugs. It is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent brain and nerve damage.

• Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Recently, are you more confused than before?
• How has your sense of confusion changed recently?
• How long have you been feeling more confused recently?

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