The doctor will also identify possible contributing factors (Delirium, 2015b). After asking about medical history, the doctor will discuss medicines and substances that can worsen confusion (Campellone, 2014). Stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion, or that are not necessary, may improve mental function (Campellone, 2014). The most important part of diagnosis is determining the cause of the delirium which may involve running a series of tests which may include: blood and urine analysis for levels of drugs, fluids, electrolytes, and blood gases, and to test for infection; lumbar puncture to test for central nervous system infection; x ray, computed tomography scans (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for tumors, hemorrhage, or other brain abnormality; thyroid tests; electroencephalography (EEG); or electrocardiography (ECG) (Delirium,
The doctor will also identify possible contributing factors (Delirium, 2015b). After asking about medical history, the doctor will discuss medicines and substances that can worsen confusion (Campellone, 2014). Stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion, or that are not necessary, may improve mental function (Campellone, 2014). The most important part of diagnosis is determining the cause of the delirium which may involve running a series of tests which may include: blood and urine analysis for levels of drugs, fluids, electrolytes, and blood gases, and to test for infection; lumbar puncture to test for central nervous system infection; x ray, computed tomography scans (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for tumors, hemorrhage, or other brain abnormality; thyroid tests; electroencephalography (EEG); or electrocardiography (ECG) (Delirium,