Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Delirium is a sudden confusional state which may occur as a complication of an illness or after surgery.
It is a temporary condition which gradually improves after a few days or weeks when the cause or causes are identified and treated.
Delirium is not the same as dementia, although people with dementia are more likely to develop delirium when they are ill.
Who is at risk of developing delirium?
- people over 65 years
- people who have dementia or who have had delirium before
- patients with any acute illness
- people who have had surgery, especially hip surgery
What are the signs and symptoms of delirium?
Symptoms are varied and include:
- Being less aware of surroundings
- Being confused
- Difficulties to follow conversations or to concentrate
- Having vivid dreams that continue when awake
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
- Being agitated and restless, sometimes even aggressive
- Being sleepy and withdrawn
- Being reluctant to eat and drink
- Behaving in a way that is out of character
What causes delirium?
Delirium often has more than one cause – some causes are:
- infection or severe illness
- dehydration or problems with blood chemistry
- side effects of some medications or suddenly stopping others
- pain
- major surgery
- constipation, or urinary problems such as retention
- an unfamiliar environment
How is delirium managed?
We will try and find the underlying cause(s) and start treatment as appropriate, for example antibiotics for infection.
Occasionally, when the patient is a danger to themselves or others, sedation may be necessary on a short term basis but we try to avoid this wherever possible.
How long will it last?
Once the causes for delirium are treated it can take several days for the symptoms to fully resolve. In some cases people still have symptoms several months afterwards.
You may find that at times they are better and at other times more confused. This is a characteristic feature of delirium and will improve as delirium resolves.
Sometimes a patient with delirium will not return to their previous mental state. In these cases we suggest asking your GP to refer to the memory clinic for further assessment.
What can you do to help?
Regular contact with familiar people and objects from outside the hospital have been shown to improve symptoms.
When you visit:
- stay calm, provide reassurance and talk to them about familiar things; you could even bring in familiar objects or photographs
- re-orientate them and remind them often where they are and what the time/date is
- ensure they have their usual glasses, hearing aids, dentures with them
- if they have hallucinations, explain that they are not real and be reassuring
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dementia care service.
About this information
Service:
Dementia care
Reference:
WW/001
Approval date:
30 January 2026
Review date:
1 January 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.