Confusion, Memory Loss, And Altered Alertness: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• A head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older.
• Cold temperature exposure: Go to the topic Cold Temperature Exposure.
• A headache: Go to the topic Headaches.
• Heat exposure: Go to the topic Heat-Related Illness.
• Seizure: Go to the topic Seizures.
• Symptom of poisoning: Go to the topic Poisoning.

Yes

Have you had a recent episode of confusion, decreased alertness, or extreme sleepiness?

Yes

Have you fainted (temporary loss of consciousness)?

Yes

Do you think that your symptoms may be caused by alcohol or drugs?

Yes

Do you think that your symptoms may be caused by a medicine?

Yes

Are you having problems with memory, judgment, or problem solving?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo: Go to the topic Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo.
• Fever: Go to the topic Fever, Age 4 and Older.
• Weakness or fatigue: Go to the topic Weakness and Fatigue.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	February 27, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer