Fever can contribute to delirium, a serious alteration in mental state. This connection is a concern, particularly with a significant rise in body temperature. Fever, often a sign of infection, can lead to confused thinking and reduced awareness. Understanding this link is important for recognizing when a fever might be more than just a common symptom.
Understanding Delirium
Delirium is an abrupt, fluctuating disturbance in attention and cognitive abilities. It is characterized by confused thinking and diminished environmental awareness. It typically develops quickly, within hours or days, and its severity can fluctuate, often worsening at night.
Unlike dementia, which involves gradual cognitive decline over months or years, delirium has a sudden onset. While both can involve confusion, delirium specifically impairs the ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention. A person with delirium might struggle to follow conversations or become easily distracted, unlike someone in early dementia who maintains more consistent alertness.
The Connection Between Fever and Delirium
Fever can trigger delirium through physiological mechanisms, often involving the body’s inflammatory response to infection. When infection is present, the immune system releases inflammatory mediators, like prostaglandins, that signal the brain’s thermoregulatory center to raise body temperature. This elevated temperature, while part of the body’s defense, can directly affect brain function.
High temperatures can disrupt neurotransmitter balance in the brain, impairing communication between brain cells. This disruption can impair cognitive processes, leading to the confused state of delirium. Heightened metabolic stress on the brain during fever can further compromise its functioning. The risk of delirium is determined not solely by fever height, but by the body’s overall reaction to the underlying illness.
Recognizing Delirium and When to Act
Recognizing delirium involves noticing sudden changes in a person’s usual mental state, especially with a fever. Signs include sudden confusion, difficulty paying attention, or disorientation regarding time or place. Individuals might also exhibit unusual behaviors, such as hallucinations, or significant changes in their sleep-wake cycle. Their speech may become rambling or nonsensical, and they might have trouble recalling recent events.
Delirium is a medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation. If a person suddenly becomes confused, disoriented, or displays behavioral changes alongside a fever, seek immediate medical attention. Timely intervention to identify and address the underlying cause can significantly improve outcomes and prevent long-term issues.