Altered Mental Status: A Systematic Approach in Acute and Emergency Care

Source: Altered Mental Status: A Systematic Approach in Acute and Emergency Care by Daniel Stone, MD

Altered mental status is one of the most complex and high-risk presentations in acute and emergency care, often signaling serious underlying illness and end-organ dysfunction. In this January 2026 training, clinicians reviewed a structured, physiology-based approach to evaluating patients with delirium, encephalopathy, and other disturbances of consciousness, emphasizing early identification of life-threatening causes. The session highlighted the importance of rapid assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, and glucose, followed by focused neurologic examination, collateral history, and targeted diagnostics rather than indiscriminate testing.

Participants explored the broad differential for altered mental status, including toxicologic, metabolic, infectious, neurologic, and systemic causes, with practical guidance on distinguishing delirium, encephalopathy, stroke, and coma in real-world settings. The training reinforced that altered mental status represents end-organ damage and often reflects multiple overlapping etiologies, particularly in older adults and medically complex patients. Emphasis was placed on recognizing dangerous vital sign patterns, interpreting neurologic findings, and initiating timely supportive care while addressing the underlying cause. This session is part of KOPI Medical’s ongoing acute care education series focused on improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in resource-variable environments.

Slides: PowerPoint Presentation