Treatment: The first goal of delirium treatment is to address any causes or triggers. That may include stopping certain medicines, treating an infection or treating an imbalance in the body. Treatment then focuses on creating the best setting for healing the body and calming the brain.
Supportive care aims to prevent complications. Here are steps to take:
• Protect the airway
• Provide fluids and nutrition
• Assist with movement
• Treat pain
• Address a lack of bladder control
• Avoid the use of physical restraints and bladder tubes
• Avoid changes in surroundings and caregivers when possible
• Include family members or familiar people in care
Medications: If you're a family member or caregiver of someone who has delirium, talk with the Neurologist about medicines that may trigger the symptoms. The provider may suggest that the person avoid taking those medicines or that a lower dose is given. Certain medicines may be needed to control pain that's causing delirium.
Other types of medicines may help calm a person who is agitated or confused. Or medicines may be needed if the person is showing distrust of others, is fearful or is seeing things that others don't see. These medicines may be needed when symptoms:
• Make it hard to perform a medical exam or provide treatment
• Put the person in danger or threaten the safety of others
• Don't lessen with other treatments
Supportive care aims to prevent complications. Here are steps to take:
• Protect the airway
• Provide fluids and nutrition
• Assist with movement
• Treat pain
• Address a lack of bladder control
• Avoid the use of physical restraints and bladder tubes
• Avoid changes in surroundings and caregivers when possible
• Include family members or familiar people in care
Medications: If you're a family member or caregiver of someone who has delirium, talk with the Neurologist about medicines that may trigger the symptoms. The provider may suggest that the person avoid taking those medicines or that a lower dose is given. Certain medicines may be needed to control pain that's causing delirium.
Other types of medicines may help calm a person who is agitated or confused. Or medicines may be needed if the person is showing distrust of others, is fearful or is seeing things that others don't see. These medicines may be needed when symptoms:
• Make it hard to perform a medical exam or provide treatment
• Put the person in danger or threaten the safety of others
• Don't lessen with other treatments
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