Praxis
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Delirium, i.e. an acute confusional state, is frequently observed in a general hospital. Prevalence of delirium increases with higher age, usually in patients with cognitive deficits (e.g. signs indicative of some dementia) and particularly in those older patients with severe somatic illness. ⋯ In this article the authors summarize data on prevalence, symptomatology as well as etiology and pathogenesis of delirium. In addition, syndromes which may have symptoms similar to delirium are discussed, and their treatment is recommended.
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We report the case of a 74-year-old women admitted to the hospital because of rapidly developing diplopia. The admission anamnesis revealed fronto-temporal headaches and pain in the maxilla for three days. ⋯ Diagnosis of Horton's syndrome was confirmed by the good response to treatment and by biopsy of the temporal artery. Different ocular and neurologic complications of Horton's disease, their clinical appearances and therapeutic measures are discussed by the authors.