Signs of ICU delirium
If your loved one has ICU delirium, you may notice certain signs.
Tell the healthcare team
right away if you notice any of the changes below in your loved one. This can help lower the risks of your loved one having short- and long-term effects from ICU delirium.
Thinking and attention
Your loved one may have trouble thinking clearly or paying attention when you're talking.
Confusion
They may be confused by what day or time it is, have trouble understanding where they are or what happened to them, or not recognize people they know.
Mood and behaviour
Your loved one may suddenly feel or act differently, such as getting very angry and upset, or very drowsy and quiet.
Sleep
They may have changes in when and how much they sleep.
Hallucinations
Your loved one may see or hear things that are not there.
Abilities
They may have trouble doing things that they could do before they were in the hospital.
Diagnosing ICU delirium
The ICU healthcare team knows how to look for signs of delirium, even if your loved one can't talk.
The team uses a tool called the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. They watch for changes in attention, behaviour, sleep, and other signs. The healthcare team may ask you questions about your loved one's medical history, and what they were like before they came to the hospital.
But ICU delirium can be hard to diagnose. While the healthcare team does their best to look for signs of delirium, you know your loved one best. It's important to tell the healthcare team if something doesn't seem right with your loved one while they are in the ICU.
