Symptom 10: Altered Mental State
The gut and the brain, though seemingly worlds apart, are intimately connected. Termed the gut-brain axis, this connection means that a distressed gut can send shockwaves to the brain, leading to an altered mental state in the face of toxic megacolon.
Symptoms might range from mild confusion or an inability to concentrate to more pronounced issues like hallucinations. The person might appear distant, unresponsive, or even delirious, unable to comprehend or react to their surroundings.
There are a few theories at play. The body, under stress from the inflamed colon, releases inflammatory mediators that can cross the blood-brain barrier, affecting mental function. Furthermore, the reduced absorption of vital nutrients and possible dehydration can impact brain function.
Unlike overt symptoms like abdominal swelling or bloody stools, an altered mental state might be dismissed as fatigue or stress. It’s a quieter, subtler symptom but no less significant. (10)
