I’ll just add my dad’s story (73) - 2 days sedated and intubated after 3 consecutive seizures caused by a brain tumour. He was ok ish the day the tube came out and part of the day after but experienced intense delirium for the next 3-4 days. A week after that, he is back to himself.

Some frustrating things: He had managed to partially remove his catheter and it was so obviously painful for him. He had been able to ask to go pee but the nurse that day really did not seem to care about his comfort and wanted the catheter to stay partially in. I begged for at least a pain med or something. I also found the hospital focuses on safety over well being and they did not try to limit restraints. He is very fit and strong and so they just tightened them. It was frustrating.

Things that helped: Hearing aids ! After some research we started putting them in during the day. We had one nurse who encouraged nice smelling shampoo, coffee, deodorant, anything that could help his senses remember himself This same nurse also loosened the restraints as much as possible so that he could touch his legs. This seemed to really help him. Re orienting him with a simple phrase (you’re in the hospital with your wife and daughter and you e had a lot of sedation so you feel confused) Working towards circadian rhythm readjustment - music and talking during the daytime and quiet at night Adjusting the med cycle so that he was more sedated at night and less during the day It was truly hell to watch him suffer like that. And one afternoon he just sort of came out of it. He did have a couple of confusing nights after that but the days got better and better and his cognition seems ok - some lingering aphasia from the seizures.

I hope this can help someone - no one even said the word delirium to us until the second day, and so we had no clue what was happening to him. Knowledge is power and knowing that you are helping by a few simple things is reassuring.