Clouding of Consciousness - Etiologies

Etiologies

The list of possible etiologies is said to be "endless". The hyperactive presentation is associated with substance withdrawal or intoxication whereas the hypoactive presentation is associated with recent surgery, being in the intensive care unit, or having a terminal illness. The chronic presentation is associated with disseminated cancer, end-stage liver disease, exhaustion, malnutrition, and wasting whereas the acute presentation is associated with fever. In alternative medicine, the disease concept known variously as candida-related complex, the yeast syndrome, or candidiasis is said to cause "brain fog". Conventional medicine labels this as quackery. On the other hand, the disease concept candidiasis in conventional medicine is known to be associated with clouding of consciousness. The autointoxication disease concept in alternative medicine where intestinal faecal toxins from faecal stagnation poison the brain has long been said to cause clouding of consciousness. Conventional medicine also labels this as quackery. On the other hand, conventional medicine recognizes that intestinal faecal toxins can poison the brain and cause a reduced level or "clouding" of consciousness if the liver fails to detoxify it and that faecal impaction and urinary retention can cause clouding of consciousness. Alternative doctors describe allergic responses to certain chemicals such as caffeine or mercury as a cause of clouding of consciousness or brain fog respectively. Some skeptics of alternative medicine say that "allergic responses do not include "'brain fog'". Ironically, conventional medicine recognizes that allergic responses in general can cause clouding of consciousness, which is of course also known as "mental fog". Conventional medicine recognizes that intestinal tapeworms can cause clouding of consciousness as well.