Confusion

Confusion or delirium is a state of brain dysfunction and may be a side effect of cancer or cancer treatment. The symptoms associated with confusion are often very unsettling for patients and family members. The first approach to treating confusion is to treat the cause. When attempts to reverse the cause are not successful, antipsychotic or sedative drugs may be used.

What is confusion?

Confusion is a state of brain dysfunction, also referred to as delirium. Confusion may range from mild—including slight forgetfulness and inability to concentrate—to severe changes in a person's behavior, personality, and consciousness. Confusion is often reversible, except in the last 24 to 48 hours of life.

What causes confusion?

Chemotherapy may cause confusion due to metabolic changes or damage to nerve cells. While any cancer treatments can cause side effects in some patients, some are more likely than others (see table 1).

Table 1. Cancer Treatments That May Cause Confusion

Additionally, confusion or delirium may be caused by conditions related more to the cancer than the cancer treatment, such as:

• Advanced cancer, especially involving the central nervous system
• Dehydration
• Cancer that has metastasized, or spread, to the brain
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Fever and/or infection
• Organ failure
• Pain and/or pain medication
• Sedative and other psychotropic medication

What are the signs and symptoms of confusion?

Confusion is not just occasional forgetfulness or inability to concentrate. Symptoms of confusion may include:

• Sudden personality changes
• Sudden agitation or uncooperative behavior
• Impaired thinking
• Unusual anxiety or depression
• Frequent unconsciousness
• Problems with muscle control

These symptoms are often unsettling for both the patient and the family members.

What is the treatment for confusion?

At this time, there are no proven treatments for confusion associated with chemotherapy or other treatments. Perhaps the best approach for relieving confusion is to treat the cause. For example:

• Stop or reduce the medications that causes delirium
• Give IV (intravenous) fluids to correct dehydration
• Treat hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) and other electrolyte imbalances
• Treat a fever and/or infection with antibiotics

If steps to reverse confusion through treating the cause are unsuccessful, antipsychotic or sedative drugs may be used. If the patient is near death, sedatives can be very helpful for calming.