What causes confusion and disorientation in elderly people after a fall, and what should be done?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Confusion and disorientation after a fall in elderly individuals may be caused by brain trauma, cerebral hypoxia, or intracranial hemorrhage, and treatment should be based on the specific condition. Following head injury, adhesions between the dura mater and cerebral cortex may develop, and excessive glial cell proliferation can occur, leading to symptoms such as delirium and impaired consciousness. Medications such as carbamazepine tablets or oxcarbazepine tablets may be used for treatment.
After a fall, elderly individuals may experience confusion and disorientation due to conditions such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral hypoxia, or intracerebral hemorrhage. Treatment should be based on the specific cause. Details are as follows:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury
Following head trauma, adhesions between the dura mater and cerebral cortex may develop, sometimes accompanied by significant glial cell proliferation, leading to symptoms like disoriented speech and impaired consciousness. Medications such as carbamazepine tablets or oxcarbazepine tablets may be used under medical guidance.
2. Cerebral Hypoxia
This typically refers to insufficient oxygen supply or utilization below the minimum level required for normal brain metabolism, resulting in varying degrees of neurological dysfunction. Symptoms may include slowed reactions and excessive drowsiness. Treatment options under a doctor's supervision include betahistine hydrochloride tablets, Naoluotong capsules, or ginkgo biloba leaf tablets.
3. Intracerebral Hemorrhage
When bleeding occurs in the brain, involvement of the paracentral lobule or development of extensive cerebral infarction can impair cortical neurons, causing altered mental status and incoherent speech. Under medical advice, medications such as oxiracetam capsules or cerebroprotein hydrolysate tablets may be used for treatment.
In addition to the above causes, similar symptoms may also result from stroke, cerebral infarction, or brain tumors. It is important to get adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing symptoms and receive standardized treatment under professional medical guidance to promote recovery.
