Confusion and associated agitation are common problems in the early stages of recovery following brain injury. Factors which may contribute to confusion include:
- Direct consequence of brain injury (Post Traumatic Amnesia).
- Related complications e.g. sepsis, changes in intracranial pressure.
- Pain and/or physical discomfort.
- Withdrawal syndromes related to alcohol a
nd/or substance misuse. - Medications which can impact on cognition especially:
- Anticonvulsants for seizure prevention.
- Antipsychotic drugs/benzodiazepines for treatment of agitation.
- Analgesics with sedative effects (opiates; gabapentin; pregabalin).
- Drugs for the treatment of spasticity.
- Metabolic Imbalance:
- Sodium imbalance e.g. hyponatraemia.
- Renal or hepatic failure due to side effect of medication or as a result of systemic illness.
- Nutritional deficiency, especially in situations of alcohol and/or substance misuse.
