A Review of Rare Etiologies of Altered Mental Status in the Emergency Department

AbstractPurpose of ReviewEmergency providers are well prepared for the rapid diagnosis and management of common etiologies of altered mental status. However, patients with persistently altered mental status of unclear etiology can present diagnostic and management challenges.Recent FindingsEnhanced laboratory and imaging testing for patients in the emergency department has enabled the expanded workup and rapid diagnosis of life-threatening etiologies of altered mental status. Emergency physicians can improve patient care by reviewing updates in the current understanding of complex conditions causing altered mental status such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, vasculitis, and autoimmune disorders.SummaryHerein, we provide a discussion of clinical cues and brief management pearls for some of the less common causes of altered mental status encountered in adults in the emergency department.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research