Delirium in trauma

Abstract

Delirium is a common, severe and acute neuropsychiatric syndrome that affects mainly older patients. Delirium is a well-recognised complication of trauma and is important as it is associated with an increase in mortality as well as cognitive and functional decline, increased length of hospital stay and increased risk of institutionalisation on discharge. Recognition and management is challenging and the psychological impact for patients and relatives devastating. This review discusses the current understanding of delirium with specific reference to trauma patients.