Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Confusion laboratory findings
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Several laboratory tests are available for evaluating confusion. It is a physician’s role to choose the most useful test based upon the history of the person. For example, a patient presenting with confusion, severe neck stiffness, headaches, and fever should be evaluated for infective foci.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
- A large number of tests are needed in patients that present with confusion. Most of the tests are to determine the cause of confusion. A careful history can reduce the burden of unnecessary tests.
- Routine blood tests include a CBC to assess the general condition of the patient.
- Serum creatinine, glucose, calcium, electrolytes.
- Blood for toxins and drugs.
- Urine analysis and culture.
- Blood culture if infectious cause has to be evaluated.
- Blood gas analysis if any metabolic derangements are suspected.
- Vitamin assays and cholesterol levels may indicate nutritional status.
- Renal function tests and liver function tests are useful if they are the cause of confusion.
- Assessments of hormone levels may be useful especially thyroid.
- In cases of brain infections lumbar puncture is done and cerebrospinal fluid is evaluated.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Â ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]