اچانک ذہنی الجھن، جسے ڈیلیریم کہا جاتا ہے، ایک ایسی حالت ہے جس میں مریض کے سوچنے، سمجھنے اور یاد رکھنے کی صلاحیت اچانک کم ہو جاتی ہے۔ یہ گھنٹوں یا ایک دو دن میں ظاہر ہوتی ہے۔ مریض کو وقت اور جگہ کا اندازہ نہیں ہوتا، وہ بے چین یا غنودگی کا شکار ہو سکتا ہے، اور بعض اوقات اسے ایسی چیزیں نظر آتی ہیں جو حقیقت میں نہیں ہوتیں۔ یہ زیادہ تر بزرگوں میں ہوتی ہے اور بنیادی وجہ کے علاج سے ٹھیک ہو سکتی ہے۔
Psychiatrist
MBBS, American Diplomate (Psychiatry, Neurology), Fellowship In ECT
Family Medicine, General Physician, Internal Medicine Specialist
MBBS , MCPS (Family Medicine)
Psychiatrist
MBBS, FCPS (Psychiatry), MRCPsych (UK), MAAAP (USA)
Delirium meaning in Urdu is "اچانک ذہنی الجھن". It is a serious medical condition in which a person's thinking, attention, and awareness change suddenly. The change happens over hours or a few days, not slowly like dementia. The person may seem confused, unable to focus, restless, or very sleepy.
Delirium is most common in older adults, especially those who are very sick, in hospital, or recovering from surgery. It affects up to half of hospitalized elderly patients. Delirium is not the same as dementia. Dementia develops slowly over months and years, while delirium develops fast. Delirium is usually reversible once the underlying cause is treated.
Delirium develops fast and the symptoms can change throughout the day. Common signs include:
Seek a doctor's help immediately if you notice:
Delirium is usually caused by an underlying medical problem. Common causes include:
You may be more likely to develop delirium if you:
Delirium can be prevented in many cases, especially in elderly hospitalized patients. Helpful steps include:
Doctors classify delirium based on how the patient behaves during episodes:
In this type, the patient becomes restless, agitated, and combative. They may try to pull out tubes, leave the bed, or shout. Hallucinations are common. This is the most easily noticed form.
This is the most common form, however it is frequently missed. The patient becomes quiet, sleepy, and withdrawn. They may seem depressed or just tired. Family members may think it is normal weakness.
In this form, the patient shifts between hyperactive and hypoactive states throughout the day. They may be restless at night and sleepy during the day.
This is a severe form of delirium that develops in heavy drinkers after they suddenly stop alcohol. It includes severe shaking, sweating, hallucinations, and seizures. It is a medical emergency.
This type develops after surgery, especially in elderly patients. It usually starts in the first few days and can last from hours to weeks.
This form occurs in patients who are very ill or nearing the end of life. It needs careful, gentle care focused on comfort.
Doctors use the following methods to diagnose delirium and find its cause:
Delirium is treated by finding and correcting the underlying cause. The mind clears once the medical problem improves.
(Family support is a key part of recovery, however delirium needs medical care.)
(All medicines for delirium must be given under a doctor's care. Wrong medicines can make delirium worse.)
If not treated quickly, delirium can lead to serious problems:
Delirium is a medical emergency and should never be ignored as just confusion. Marham helps you connect with trusted, verified, and experienced neurologists, psychiatrists, and general physicians who can find the cause and start treatment quickly. Book an appointment with the best specialist through Marham today!
Marham shares expert-reviewed information to support your health journey. The information on this page is only to guide and inform you. For any personal advice, it’s always best to check with a medical professional.
Delirium develops fast, over hours or days, and is usually reversible once the underlying cause is treated. Dementia develops slowly over months and years and is progressive. A patient with dementia can also develop delirium.
In most cases, yes. Once the underlying cause is found and treated, the patient's thinking usually returns to baseline. However, severe or repeated delirium can leave lasting effects, especially in older adults.
Older brains are more sensitive to stress, illness, and medicines. Common triggers like infections, dehydration, and hospital stays affect elderly patients more strongly. Existing memory problems also raise the risk.
Yes. Hospital stays, especially in intensive care, can trigger delirium due to unfamiliar surroundings, noise, sleep disturbance, multiple medicines, infections, and surgery. Up to half of elderly hospital patients develop delirium.
Yes. Family presence helps a lot. A familiar face, calm voice, and simple reminders about time and place help reduce confusion and fear. It also helps the medical team understand what is normal for the patient.
Delirium is usually managed by general physicians, neurologists, geriatricians, or psychiatrists, depending on the cause. In a hospital, the admitting team handles it. Marham can help you find the right specialist.