Delirium
MONDO:0045057A disorder characterized by confusion; inattentiveness; disorientation; illusions; hallucinations; agitation; and in some instances autonomic nervous system overactivity. It may result from toxic/metabolic conditions or structural brain lesions. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp411-2)
Also known as: OBS syndrome, organic brain syndrome
238 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
Follow this condition — get notified about new trialsSub-types
Broader categories
-
Getting kids moving in the ICU could speed recovery, new study suggests
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a program called PICU Up! that helps critically ill children in the intensive care unit start moving earlier than usual. The program combines sleep support, delirium prevention, and less sedation to encourage safe mobility. Researchers will see if this approach r…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:39 UTC
-
Breathing in calm: new sedation method may keep ICU patients Clear-Headed
Prevention OngoingThis study compares two ways to sedate ICU patients who need a breathing machine: inhaled sedation (using isoflurane gas) versus standard intravenous (IV) sedation. The goal is to see if the inhaled approach reduces the chance of delirium—a state of confusion that often occurs in…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: University Hospital, Brest • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Can a dissolvable film quiet ICU delirium?
Symptom relief TerminatedThis phase 2 trial is testing whether a dissolvable film containing dexmedetomidine (BXCL501) can safely and effectively reduce agitation in adult ICU patients who have delirium. The study will compare four different starting doses of the drug against a placebo to find the best b…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: BioXcel Therapeutics Inc • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Can a calming drug combo bring clarity to cancer patients?
Symptom relief OngoingThis study looks at whether adding lorazepam to haloperidol can better reduce delirium (sudden confusion and agitation) in people with advanced cancer who are in a palliative care unit. About 93 participants will receive either haloperidol alone or with lorazepam, and their level…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 19, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Nose spray vs. syrup: which stops Kids' Post-Surgery delirium best?
Symptom relief ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study looks at two medicines given before surgery to prevent delirium (confusion and agitation) in children aged 3 months to 9 years. One is a nose spray (dexmedetomidine), the other is a syrup (midazolam). The goal is to see which works better and is easier for kids to take…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 17, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Virtual reality meditation tested as a tool to ward off hospital delirium
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests whether guided meditation delivered through a tablet or virtual reality headset can reduce the risk of delirium in hospitalized adults. Delirium is a sudden state of confusion that can occur during a hospital stay, especially in the ICU. The trial will measure ch…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 08, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
New study aims to ease agitated delirium in dying cancer patients
Symptom relief OngoingThis study looks at how well two drugs, haloperidol and lorazepam, can control severe agitation and confusion (delirium) in people with advanced cancer who are in palliative care. About 110 patients will be enrolled to compare different drug approaches. The goal is to improve com…
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Massage and music may keep ICU patients Clear-Headed
Symptom relief OngoingThis pilot study tests whether a daily 15-minute massage plus guided relaxation with music can prevent delirium in critically ill patients. About 120 adults in the ICU will be randomly assigned to receive the relaxation intervention or standard care for up to five days. The main …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Alberta • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:32 UTC
-
ICU delirium drug study pulled before starting
Symptom relief TerminatedThis study aimed to see if trazodone works better than quetiapine or a placebo for treating confusion (delirium) in adult surgical ICU patients. It planned to measure how long delirium lasts, sleep quality, and side effects. However, the study was withdrawn before enrolling any p…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
-
New app aims to fight hospital delirium in seniors
Symptom relief TerminatedThis study tests a mobile app called iPREPARED that helps patients and their caregivers prepare for a hospital stay. The app provides videos and tips to prevent or reduce delirium, a sudden confused state common in older adults. Researchers want to see if the app is easy to use a…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:05 UTC
-
Can a common antipsychotic combo calm delirium in dying cancer patients?
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests whether giving haloperidol alone or with chlorpromazine can safely calm severe agitation and confusion (delirium) in 70 advanced cancer patients in a palliative care unit. The main goal is to see if the drugs improve sedation scores within 24 hours. It is a phase…
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
-
Could wearable sensors spot delirium before doctors do?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study explores whether wearable accelerometers and cameras can automatically detect delirium in intensive care unit patients by tracking changes in movement and facial expressions. Delirium, a sudden state of confusion, often goes undetected despite being common in hospitali…
Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 23, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
AI could read pain on the faces of silent ICU patients
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study explores whether artificial intelligence and video monitoring can recognize pain and delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients who cannot communicate verbally. Researchers will use cameras, accelerometers, and other sensors to capture facial expressions and body m…
Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 15, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Waking ICU patients daily may lower blood pressure drug needs
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether pausing sedation each day in mechanically ventilated ICU patients can reduce the amount of blood pressure medication they need. Researchers will compare medication doses before and during these daily awakening trials. The goal is to see if this simple …
Sponsor: University of Chicago • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 15, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
New program aims to help seniors recover from Post-Surgery confusion
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether a special recovery program can help older adults (65+) who experienced confusion (delirium) after emergency surgery. Participants will have virtual visits with a care coordinator and complete physical, cognitive, and psychological assessments over 18 m…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 09, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Brain scans may predict recovery from ICU delirium in lung failure patients
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study investigates cognitive problems in intensive care patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who develop delirium (sudden confusion). Researchers use a non-invasive EEG cap and auditory tests to measure brain activity at the bedside. The goal is to identi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 01, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
AI tool aims to predict Post-Surgery confusion in seniors
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests whether an AI tool that uses electronic medical records can help predict and reduce delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults after major surgery. About 60 people aged 65 and older will take part. The goal is to see if giving doctors a delirium risk alert can l…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Indiana University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:01 UTC
-
Study on video calls for Alzheimer's caregivers pulled before starting
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study was designed to test whether scheduled video calls with a nurse could help family members who make medical decisions for hospitalized older adults with Alzheimer's or similar cognitive issues. The goal was to improve communication and reduce anxiety and depression. How…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Indiana University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
-
Anesthesia depth may impact Long-Term survival in older surgery patients
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows over 6,600 elderly patients (aged 60+) who had major surgery to see if lighter anesthesia helps them live longer. The original trial found no difference in survival at one year, but this follow-up checks for effects beyond that, including on cancer recurrence a…
Sponsor: Auckland City Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:06 UTC
-
Study questions whether nighttime checks do more harm than good for stroke patients
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study looks at whether stopping overnight neurological checks in stroke patients can help prevent delirium, a common and serious complication. Researchers will compare patients who continue standard overnight checks with those who have them stopped, measuring rates of deliri…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:05 UTC
-
Can keeping blood pressure higher during surgery prevent organ damage?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis pilot study tests whether keeping blood pressure higher than usual during and after major surgery can reduce serious complications like heart attack, kidney injury, and confusion. About 80 adults aged 45 and older who take blood pressure medication and are having long surger…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: The Cleveland Clinic • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
-
ICU Survivors' dementia risk under the microscope
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows 567 ICU survivors to see how their brain function changes over up to 12 years. Researchers will use brain scans, spinal fluid tests, and brain donations to find out why some people develop dementia after critical illness. The goal is to learn the causes of post…
Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
-
Delirium detection study in Kids' ICU withdrawn before starting
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study aimed to see how common delirium is in children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) by using a French version of a screening tool called the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD). The plan was to check each child twice a day during their stay. However…
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
-
Morning or afternoon brain games? study seeks best timing for ICU recovery
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether doing brain-training exercises in the morning or the afternoon helps older adults (60+) recover thinking skills after a stay in the intensive care unit. Forty participants will either train in the morning, in the late afternoon/evening, or receive usua…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Washington • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:01 UTC
-
ICU Survivors' brain health under the microscope
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows 826 ICU survivors to understand why some develop long-term thinking and memory problems. Researchers will look at factors like delirium and sedative use during the ICU stay. The goal is to find modifiable risks that could lead to better prevention and recovery …
Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:01 UTC
-
ICU muscle mystery: new study aims to uncover why patients stay weak
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at why over half of ICU patients develop severe muscle weakness that can last for months or years. Researchers will use muscle biopsies, ultrasound, and strength tests on 50 critically ill adults to find better ways to diagnose and track this condition. The goal …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Vanderbilt University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:01 UTC
-
Trauma ICU survivors: new study tracks hidden brain decline
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows 432 adults who were in the ICU after a traumatic injury or burn. Researchers want to see if and why patients develop long-term problems with memory, thinking, and daily function. By tracking cognitive skills and inflammation over time, they hope to uncover link…
Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:10 UTC
-
New study tracks brain fog in kids after stem cell transplants
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows over 1,000 children aged 0-21 who are getting stem cell transplants. Researchers will check for delirium twice a day during their hospital stay. The goal is to learn how often delirium happens, what raises the risk, and how it affects recovery. This information…
Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:57 UTC
-
Blood thinner users: how safe is a 24-Hour hospital stay after a mild head bump?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at 600 adults who take blood thinners and have a mild head injury but a normal first brain scan. Researchers want to know how often a delayed brain bleed happens within 24 hours and up to 4 weeks after the injury. They also track risks like blood clots or confusi…
Sponsor: Bispebjerg Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:52 UTC
-
Nerve-Zapping device could speed up Post-Surgery waking, but study never started
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study planned to test a noninvasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the skin to see if it could help people recover consciousness more quickly after anesthesia. The researchers wanted to enroll adults undergoing lumbar spine surgery and measure how fast they w…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:51 UTC
-
Brain fog after hip or knee replacement: how common and how long?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows 505 adults aged 50 and older who are having hip or knee replacement surgery. Researchers use a simple online card-game test to measure changes in memory, attention, and thinking before and up to 4.5 months after surgery. The goal is to find out how many people …
Sponsor: Dr. Stephen Choi • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 14:02 UTC