*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA.

Confusion

Sudden confusion (delirium) can have many different causes. Get medical help immediately if someone suddenly becomes confused (delirious).

How to tell if someone is confused

If a person is confused, they may:

not be able to think or speak clearly or quickly
not know where they are (feel disorientated)
struggle to pay attention or remember things
see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations)

Try asking the person their name, their age and today's date. If they seem unsure or cannot answer you, they probably need medical help.

See a GP if:

you're worried that you or a relative are becoming increasingly forgetful or confused

It may not be anything serious, but it's best to get checked.

In older people, forgetfulness and confusion are sometimes signs of dementia.

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

someone suddenly becomes confused

Many causes of sudden confusion need to be assessed and treated as soon as possible. Sometimes it may be life threatening.

Things you can do while waiting for an ambulance

If you're with someone who has suddenly become confused, there are things you can do while waiting for medical help.

Do

stay with the person - tell them who you are and where they are, and keep reassuring them
use simple words and short sentences
make a note of any medicines they're taking, if possible

Don't

do not ask lots of questions while they're feeling confused
do not stop the person moving around, unless they're in danger

Causes of sudden confusion

Sudden confusion can be caused by many different things. Do not try to self-diagnose. Get medical help if someone suddenly becomes confused or delirious.

Some of the most common causes of sudden confusion include:

an infection - urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause in elderly people or people with dementia
a stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke")
a low blood sugar level in people with diabetes
a head injury
some types of prescription medicine
alcohol poisoning or alcohol withdrawal
taking drugs
carbon monoxide poisoning - especially if other people you live with become unwell
a severe asthma attack or other problems with the lungs or heart
certain types of seizures caused by epilepsy

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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