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

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When to See a Doctor

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

See significance of problems with memory, judgment, or problem solving if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had a sudden complete loss of memory (amnesia)?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you having ongoing or a gradually increasing difficulty with daily tasks, such as getting dressed, preparing a meal, or shopping?

Yes

Do you find that it is increasingly difficult to learn and remember new information?

Yes

Do you frequently forget recent events or appointments or have difficulty remembering familiar information?

Yes

Do you frequently get lost when walking or driving to familiar places?

Yes

Do you frequently misplace things?

Yes

Are you having an ongoing or a gradually increasing difficulty handling complex but familiar tasks, such as balancing your checkbook?

Yes

Are you having an ongoing or a gradually increasing difficulty knowing what to do when problems occur, such as knowing what to do if the bathroom floods?

Yes

Do you often show poor judgment, such as unsafe or rude behavior or conversation?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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