Cause 6: Trauma or Head Injury – The Impact on the Mind
Head injuries or trauma to the brain are significant events. When the delicate structures of our brain face direct or indirect harm, the immediate and long-term repercussions can be multifaceted. Among these aftermaths, one such response is delirium.
The immediate moments or days following a trauma can be especially vulnerable. The brain, in its attempt to heal, might swell. This swelling, or edema, can restrict blood flow and oxygen delivery to various parts of the brain. The result? Confusion, disorientation, and other hallmarks of delirium.
Aside from the physical trauma, there’s also a biochemical aspect at play. Brain injury often leads to an imbalance in neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers, responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells, when disrupted, can lead to a range of cognitive symptoms. (6)
