Alteration in Mental Status
Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI
Reviewed By:
Bret Mobley, MD, MS (Neuropathology)
Dr. Mobley graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, completing a masters degree in neuroscience between his second and third years of medical school. He trained as a resident in pathology at Stanford University Hospital before joining the faculty of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee in 2010. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018 and to Neuropathology Division Director in 2020.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Apr 4, 2024
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Alteration in mental status
Change in awareness levels
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
About the Symptom
Altered mental status is when the brain doesn't function normally. This includes confused thinking, reduced awareness, disorientation, and drowsiness. There are many causes, such as infection, blood sugar changes, and dehydration.
When to see a doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Recent changes in mental state
Possible Causes
Generally, Alteration in mental status can be related to:
- Adjustment Disorder
A psychological disorder, often with low mood and anxiety. It is triggered by a sudden change in life circumstances, e.g. divorce or losing a job.
- Sleep Disorder
Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quality, timing, or duration of your sleep, impacting your ability to function when you're awake. There are many types of sleep disorders, including disturbances in sleep quality or quantity, excessive daytime sleepiness, abnormal behaviors during sleep, sleep disorders related to mental disorders, and more.
Depression
Depression is a mental illness that leads to low mood, reduced energy levels, and changes in sleep. This affects everyday activities like attending school and work. As the condition worsens, patients might have suicidal thoughts. Although stress and past trauma can cause depression, it can take time to identify and address causes, and genetic factors may also be at play.
- Alcohol Dependence / Delirium Tremens
- Dissociative Disorder
- Tuberous Sclerosis
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Related serious diseases
Sometimes, Alteration in mental status may be related to these serious diseases:
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
A diabetes complication where the body can't use sugar properly, often due to a lack of insulin hormone. Immediate medical attention and hospitalization are necessary.
- Chronic Subdural Hematoma
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Recently, are you more confused than before?
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Find Similar Symptoms
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Reviewed By:
Bret Mobley, MD, MS (Neuropathology)
Dr. Mobley graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, completing a masters degree in neuroscience between his second and third years of medical school. He trained as a resident in pathology at Stanford University Hospital before joining the faculty of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee in 2010. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018 and to Neuropathology Division Director in 2020.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
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Dale Mueller, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Associates
