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Confusion in travellers
Abdul G Habib1, Paul A Tambyah
1Travel Screening and Vaccination Clinic, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore Singapore 119074.
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|February 13, 2007
Summary
A young traveler developed sudden confusion and abnormal behavior during a flight after a recent typhoid fever infection. This case highlights the importance of considering infections like typhoid psychosis in diagnosing traveler confusion.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Reports
- Travel Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Travelers can experience acute confusion and behavioral changes during long flights.
- Recent infections, such as typhoid fever, may predispose individuals to neurological complications.
- Differential diagnosis of in-flight confusion is critical for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of acute onset confusion in a traveler with recent typhoid fever.
- To discuss typhoid psychosis as a potential cause of traveler's confusion.
- To review other infectious and non-infectious causes of confusion in travelers.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 24-year-old female experiencing acute confusion during a flight.
- Literature review on typhoid psychosis and traveler's confusion.
- Discussion of potential medico-legal and ethical considerations.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with acute confusion, restlessness, disorientation, and abnormal behavior.
- Recent typhoid fever was identified as a significant preceding factor.
- The case underscores the link between systemic infections and acute neurological disturbances in travelers.
Conclusions:
- Typhoid fever can lead to neurological complications such as typhoid psychosis, manifesting as acute confusion in travelers.
- Practitioners should consider infectious etiologies, including typhoid psychosis, in the differential diagnosis of in-flight confusion.
- Prompt recognition and management are essential to address potential medico-legal and ethical issues.
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