Cause

• A variety of conditions, such as urinary tract infection, poor response to medications, and alcohol withdrawal, may cause delirium; however, according to MayoClinic.com, the exact mind and body mechanisms that cause delirium are unclear.
  
  

UTI

• A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a general term for any infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include frequent urination and a painful burning sensation during urination.
  
  

Delirium

• Delirium refers to a sudden onset on symptoms such as an inability to focus or pay attention, confusion, disorientation, behavioral disturbances and hallucinations.
  
  

Cytokines

• According to eMedicine.Medscape.com, cytokines--proteins that regulate communication between cells and are released in response to infection--may play a role in causing delirium.
  
  

Blood-Brain Barrier

• According to eMedicine.Medscape.com, a disruption of the blood-brain barrier may admit neurotoxins and cytokines that cause inflammation into the brain, causing delirium.