What causes acute delirium?
Acute delirium may happen when areas and functions of your brain are damaged. One or more conditions can work together to cause delirium, or its cause may be unknown. The following may cause acute delirium, or increase your risk of having it: • Drugs and alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol (found in beer, wine and other adult drinks), or using street drugs. If you have drunk alcohol or used drugs for awhile and suddenly stop, this can also cause delirium. • Harmful substances: Breathing in or being around strong chemicals, or dangerous smoke and fumes. • Hospitalization: Staying in the hospital after surgery, especially if you need to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Coping with medical problems while you are in the hospital also increases your risk of having delirium. • Malnutrition: If you do not eat or drink enough, malnutrition can occur. This can also happen if you have a medical problem that stops your body from using or absorbing food. • Medical conditions: Blood carries ox
