The evaluation of confusion begins with a medical history and physical examination.

The evaluation includes:

• Neurological evaluation
• Psychiatric evaluation

In many cases, extensive testing is required to diagnose the underlying cause for the confusion.

Tests that may be used to evaluate confusion include:

• Blood glucose
• Blood electrolytes
• Pulse oximetry
• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile
• Blood cultures
• Auditory evoked potentials
• EEG:
• Brain wave testing is often used
• Nerve conduction studies
• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• PET scanning of the brain:
• Can detect changes in brain metabolism and activity.
• Spinal tap