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A Review of Rare Etiologies of Altered Mental Status in the Emergency Department

  • Neurologic Emergencies (J Miller, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Emergency providers are well prepared for the rapid diagnosis and management of common etiologies of altered mental status. However, patients with persistently altered mental status of unclear etiology can present diagnostic and management challenges.

Recent Findings

Enhanced laboratory and imaging testing for patients in the emergency department has enabled the expanded workup and rapid diagnosis of life-threatening etiologies of altered mental status. Emergency physicians can improve patient care by reviewing updates in the current understanding of complex conditions causing altered mental status such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, vasculitis, and autoimmune disorders.

Summary

Herein, we provide a discussion of clinical cues and brief management pearls for some of the less common causes of altered mental status encountered in adults in the emergency department.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA

    Thomas K. Hagerman & Katherine M. Joyce

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA

    Thomas K. Hagerman & Katherine M. Joyce

  3. Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA

    Andrew Bissonette

  4. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA

    Andrew Bissonette

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Correspondence to Andrew Bissonette.

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Hagerman, T.K., Joyce, K.M. & Bissonette, A. A Review of Rare Etiologies of Altered Mental Status in the Emergency Department. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 10, 87–98 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-022-00254-z

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