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92

FAMILY ILLNESS

Forgetfulness or confusion

Most people are forgetful sometimes, especially if they are very busy. Absent-mindedness is also a natural part of the aging process. Confusion is the inability to think clearly and may include forgetfulness. You should consult your doctor if episodes of forgetfulness and / or confusion occur frequently or are severe enough to disrupt your life.

! Sudden onset of confusion

Call a doctor immediately if a person suddenly becomes very confused or disoriented about time or place, or seems to be seeing or hearing things that are not there.

START	Has the forgetfulness and / or confusion come on since a head injury?	Have you had any of the following? Disturbed vision	Do you have a fever – a temperature of 100.4 ° F( 38 ° C) or above?
	Head injury No head injury	Numbness, tingling, or weakness Vertigo or loss of consciousness	Fever No fever
	ACTION CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Damage to the brain, such as that resulting from a hard blow, may cause such symptoms. In some cases, the effects may be delayed.	Difficulty speaking None of the above Are any of these symptoms still present?	ACTION CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Fever, especially a temperature that is over 102 ° F( 39 ° C), may itself be a cause of confusion. However, confusion can also be due to a number of serious conditions, such as pneumonia. • Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
		Symptoms present
	ACTION CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have had a mini-stroke.	Symptoms no longer present	ACTION DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS ! You may have had a stroke.