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Delirium in ICU Patients

What causes ICU delirium?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​There may be more than one cause or risk factor for ICU delirium, such as:

  • being older than 65 years
  • low oxygen levels in the brain
  • the brain isn’t using oxygen properly
  • chemical changes in the brain
  • certain medicines, such as sedatives or painkillers
  • infection
  • pain
  • having an illness
  • alcohol use
  • withdrawal from alcohol or nicotine



Current as of: June 22, 2020

Author: Critical Care SCN