Temporal and spatial disorientation - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

The loss of the sense of space-time orientation is a disorder characterized by the inability to place oneself adequately within the conditions of time and place, as well as with respect to one's person and the context in which one finds oneself. The subject appears therefore lost, confused and has difficulty in coordinating the movements. Sometimes, spatial and temporal disorientation can be associated with tremor of the extremities, headache, dizziness and state of agitation.

Depending on the cause, this event can be temporary or permanent.

Sudden onset temporal and spatial disorientation is often caused by urgent conditions that require immediate medical intervention. Numerous cerebral affections can be called into question: head trauma, stroke, meningitis, encephalitis and epilepsy.

When it appears gradually, however, the lack of orientation with respect to space and time can be a consequence of the natural aging process. In other cases, this symptom depends on injuries to the structures of the central nervous system (eg ischemic or hemorrhagic phenomena) or on degenerative cerebral pathologies (eg vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease).

Temporal and spatial disorientation can be found in Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and neurosyphilis.

The loss of the sense of orientation also derives from some metabolic disorders (eg hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency) and toxic substances (eg lead); in these cases, the problem can be solved with specific treatment.

Spatial and temporal disorientation can also be caused by states of anxiety and panic, alcohol abuse, intense fever, dehydration, hypo- and hyperglycemia, heat stroke and arterial hypotension. This symptom can also be associated with intoxication or substance withdrawal, amnestic disorders, chronic psychosis and major depression.