Confusion

Alternate Names : Confusional State, Mental Dysfunction

What can be done to prevent the symptom?

Prevention is related to the cause of the confusion. For example, avoiding certain drugs can prevent the confusion that can be caused by them. Wearing a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle and following sports safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults can help prevent head injuries. However, many causes cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the symptom?

Long-term effects are related to the cause of the confusion. For example, confusion caused by an infection often goes away once the person gets over the infection. An individual with cancer or chronic liver disease often dies from those conditions. In some people, confusion may get worse over time and become permanent, such as in Alzheimer disease, alcoholism, or AIDS.

What are the risks to others?

Confusion itself is not catching and poses no risk to others. If confusion is the result of an infection, the infection may be contagious.