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Presentation comparison
Emergency2 of 2 diagnoses compared
| CriteriaComparison detail | DeliriumEmergency | DementiaRoutine |
|---|---|---|
| Why it fits | New agitation with fluctuating attention, altered awareness, pain, retention, constipation, infection | Progressive failure in ADLs, medications, finances, navigation, hygiene |
| Must-not-miss | Sepsis, hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, stroke, intracranial bleed, alcohol/benzo withdrawal, urinary retention, faecal impaction | Wandering, exploitation, medication mismanagement |
| Bedside question | Inattention plus altered awareness/arousal are the key separators. Usually precipitated by acute illness, surgery, injury, retention, constipation, pain, or medicines. | Chronicity and psychosis history support primary negative symptoms. |
| Immediate action | In older or medically unwell patients, assume delirium until proved otherwise, Cannabis and stimulants can closely mimic primary psychosis, Reassess once partially cleared, Escalate early to medical/neurology review if red flags are present, Consider MRI, EEG, CSF, and autoimmune testing when the syndrome is atypical, Clarify positive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognition, and functional trajectory. | Review locally. |
| Investigations | Neuroimaging (CT/MRI), EEG, Lumbar puncture / CSF studies | Review locally. |
| Mimics / overlap | Primary psychosis, dementia, severe depression, catatonia, intoxication, post-ictal state, stroke, medication overdose, stimulant intoxication | Review locally. |
Scroll horizontally to review more candidate differentials. Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.
Sepsis, hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, stroke, intracranial bleed, alcohol/benzo withdrawal, urinary retention, faecal impaction. Wandering, exploitation, medication mismanagement.
New agitation with fluctuating attention, altered awareness, pain, retention, constipation, infection
Sepsis, hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, stroke, intracranial bleed, alcohol/benzo withdrawal, urinary retention, faecal impaction
Progressive failure in ADLs, medications, finances, navigation, hygiene
Wandering, exploitation, medication mismanagement
Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.