US Medical Term · symptoms
Confusion
Confusión mental
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Confusion |
| Spanish (Español) | Confusión mental |
| Chinese (中文) | 意識混亂 |
| Korean (한국어) | 혼란 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Lú lẫn |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kalituhan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Confusão mental |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สับสน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 錯乱 |
What it means
Confusion is a state of mental cloudiness where thinking, understanding, or communicating clearly becomes difficult. You may feel disoriented — unsure of where you are, what time it is, or what is happening around you. Causes include infection (especially urinary tract infection in older adults), low blood sugar, dehydration, medication side effects, alcohol, stroke, and head injury. Sudden or severe confusion is a medical emergency — especially if paired with fever, limb weakness, vision changes, or slurred speech. Call 911 in those situations. Mild confusion that clears with rest or fluids is less urgent but should still be reported to a healthcare provider.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My mother has been confused and disoriented since this morning — she does not know where she is.
Mi madre ha estado confundida y desorientada desde esta mañana; no sabe dónde está.
I am having trouble thinking clearly and I cannot remember simple things today.
Tengo dificultad para pensar con claridad y no puedo recordar cosas sencillas hoy.
He suddenly became confused and was not making sense when he spoke.
De repente se confundió y no tenía sentido lo que decía.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R41 Other symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awarenessRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026