How to Treat Delirium in Cancer Patients

Several factors contribute to confusion and altered mental status in cancer patients, including medications, effects of tumors on the nervous system and organ failure. Up to half of all cancer patients experience delirium or altered cognitive status, especially patients with advanced disease. Delirium is commonly mistaken as a natural predecessor to the end stages of life, but in many cases delirium can be treated or even reversed.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain an accurate diagnosis from the doctor. Doctors commonly misdiagnose delirium as depression or dementia, which are chronic in nature. Delirium has an acute onset, even within hours.

• 2

  Identify the cause of the delirium. Sometimes the doctor can easily remedy the aggravating factor by switching pain medications, treating dehydration, underlying infections or excessive calcium in the blood.

• 3

  Decide on the goals of treatment with involved family members. This decision helps determine the approach to care. Doctors may treat patients with mild symptoms or end stage disease less aggressively than patients with reversible delirium or high levels of agitation.

• 4

  Keep patients oriented with familiar surroundings. Help cancer patients not interested or eligible in pharmacological interventions by surrounding them with favorite objects, a clock and a calendar.

• 5

  Ask the doctor if anti-delirium drugs are an option. Doctors can choose from a number of anti-psychotic drugs to reduce agitation in select cases.

• 6

  Consult with a health professional familiar with end of life issues and palliative care to receive guidance on the delirious patient approaching death. These doctors or hospice care workers can advise you on the option of sedation for patients in severe distress.