Altered mental status differential series#

It’s more detailed and includes a differential that applies for this entry. Pathophysiology of Fever Production of endogenous or exogenous pyrogens Increase temperature set point in hypothalamus Patient experiences chills when core temperature < set point Vasoconstriction, shivering causes fever Patient experiences euthermia, though may feel malaise, fatigue Resolution Patient experiences sweats until core temperature returns to normal set point References See the entry for differential diagnosis of delirium (acute change in mental status). Atypical presentations: functional decline, altered mental status.The differential diagnosis for altered mental status is always varied and it is. Given the vagueness of the term, it is imperative to understand its key components before considering a differential diagnosis. Altered mental status Diabetic ketoacidosis Thyroid storm Myxedema coma. You want to do a differential for altered mental status and syncope. Most common sources in elderly: respiratory, genitourinary, skin/soft-tissue Altered mental status (AMS) is a general term used to describe various disorders of mental functioning ranging from slight confusion to coma. Other differential diagnoses for patients presenting with delirium include primary psychiatric disorders, such as acute psychosis.The differential is broad and includes infectious, toxicologic, endocrine such as thyroid storm, primary neurologic (mass, bleeding, edema), CO2 retention, and uremia. Morbidity and mortality increase with age and comborbidities This is a classic case of altered mental status in an elderly patient.

Altered mental status differential series#

This post is part of a series called “Cardinal Presentations”, based on Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition).