Prolonged delirium secondary to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy following complete hanging
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Date
2013-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Indian Psychiatric Society
Abstract
Background: Delirium is a common disorder, and can occur in children and adults. It is short lasting, with
duration ranging from hours to days. However, prolonged delirium can occur in people with brain damage.
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that occurs when the entire brain is deprived of adequate
oxygen supply. HIE results in neurological injury and long term dysfunction. Outcome of HIE ranges from
significant changes in personality, impairment in memory, cognition and attention, to coma and vegetative
states. Only a quarter of patients survive to be discharged from hospital. There are very few case reports of
prolonged delirium secondary to HIE following hanging.
Case description:A 27 year old Asian man with alcohol dependence syndrome developed prolonged delirium
(more than two months) following HIE subsequent to hanging.
Discussion:Prolonged delirium has been reported in 1/3rd cases of delirium. Risk factors for prolonged delirium
are increasing age, severe delirium, increasing number of medical conditions. Prolonged delirium was found to
be associated with poor functional outcome and increased mortality.
Conclusion:Our case report highlights the importance of early detection and management of prolonged delirium.
Description
Keywords
Prolonged Delirium, Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, Hanging
Citation
Sireesha Srinivasa Rao, Boorla Vivaswan, Bhogaraju Anand. Prolonged delirium secondary to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy following complete hanging. Andhra Pradesh Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2013 Jul-Dec; 14(2): 174-177