Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
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 cheque book?
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 behaviour 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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 17, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology | |
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