delirium

Definition

Acute confusion and altered mental status, when the brain temporarily goes offline and reality becomes negotiable. It's particularly common in hospitalized elderly patients and makes for very interesting nursing notes.

Example Usage

Post-operative delirium resolved within 48 hours after correcting the patient's electrolyte imbalances and sleep-wake cycle.

Origin

From Latin 'delirare' (to be deranged), literally 'to go off the furrow' in plowing

Fun Fact

Delirium affects up to 50% of hospitalized elderly patients and is associated with increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs—yet it's often underrecognized and undertreated.

Source: Geriatric medicine and psychiatry clinical standards

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