AEIOU-TIPS

AEIOU-TIPS is a mnemonic used in emergency medicine for the differential diagnosis of altered mental status. It stands for Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin, Overdose, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psychosis, and Stroke.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can cause altered mental status when consumed in large quantities. Chronic alcohol abuse can also lead to conditions such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which can cause confusion and memory problems.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures can cause temporary changes in behavior, awareness, or sensory perception, leading to altered mental status.

Insulin

Abnormal levels of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, can cause altered mental status. Both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause confusion, lethargy, and other changes in mental status.

Overdose

An overdose of drugs or medications can cause altered mental status. This can include both prescription medications, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, and illicit drugs, such as heroin or cocaine.

Uremia

Uremia is a condition characterized by high levels of waste products in the blood, typically due to kidney failure. This can cause a range of symptoms, including confusion and lethargy.

Trauma

Trauma, particularly head trauma, can cause altered mental status. This can include both physical trauma, such as a blow to the head, and emotional trauma.

Infection

Infections, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, can cause altered mental status. This includes conditions such as meningitis and encephalitis.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality. This can cause a range of symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions, which can lead to altered mental status.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause a range of symptoms, including confusion and difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

AEIOU-TIPS Resources
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