deliriumArticle Free Pass delirium, a mental disturbance marked
by disorientation and confused thinking in which the patient
incorrectly comprehends his surroundings. The delirious person
is drowsy, restless, and fearful of imaginary disasters. He may
suffer from hallucinations, seeing terrifying imaginary animals
or thinking the building is on fire. Maniacal excitement may
follow. Delirium usually results from some intoxication or other
physical disorder that affects the brain, such as fever, heart
failure, or a blow on the head. It often results from an
overdose of sedatives, especially bromide, and can be provoked
by the too-abrupt discontinuance of barbiturates in addicts.
Alcoholic delirium—called delirium tremens because of the
characteristic tremor—is a result not merely of excessive
consumption of alcohol but of a complicating exhaustion, lack of
food, and dehydration; prior to the outbreak of delirium, the
patient has usually been deteriorating physically because of
vomiting and restlessness. Bewilde