Abstract
In patients with cancer, delirium occurs both as a transient central nervous system complication of disease and as a side effect of treatment. Dementia, while much less common, is a far more devastating complication because of its irreversible course. Both are mistaken for depression or an emotional response to stress. Prompt and early recognition of the symptoms and a thorough workup to establish the cause and treatment can prevent progression of delirium to coma and death, and the progression of dementia may be slowed. Recognizing diagnostic symptoms and signs and managing the psychologic and behavioral consequences are crucial to good patient care.
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© 1991 Springer-Verlag Berlin · Heidelberg
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Lesko, L.M., Fleishman, S. (1991). Treatment and Support in Confusional States. In: Senn, HJ., Glaus, A. (eds) Supportive Care in Cancer Patients II. Recent Results in Cancer Research, vol 121. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-84138-5_45
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-84138-5_45
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