AEIOU-TIPS is a mnemonic acronym used by some medical professionals to recall the possible causes for altered mental status. Medical literature discusses its utility in determining differential diagnoses in various special populations presenting with altered mental status including infants, children, adolescents, and the elderly. The mnemonic also frequently appears in textbooks and reference books regarding emergency medicine in a variety of settings, from the emergency department and standard emergency medical services to wilderness medicine.
The acronym
Component(s) of acronymExamples AAlcohol/Abuse of substancesAcidosisAlcohol or drug intoxicationDiabetic ketoacidosis; Respiratory acidosis due to CO2 narcosia hypoventilation due to COPD, asthmatic airway obstruction, or neuromuscular disease EEcstasy EnvironmentalEpilepsyElectrolytesEncephalopathyEndocrine diseaseHypothermia; hyperthermiaEpileptic seizure (or seizure for any other reason)Hyponatremia; hypernatremia; hypocalcemia; hypercalcemiaWernicke's encephalopathy; Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)Adrenal insufficiency; thyroid disease IInfectionEncephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis; sepsis OOverdoseOxygen deficiencyPrescription or non-prescription drug overdoseHypoxia due to pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism or tension pneumothorax; hypoxic brain injury due to cardiac arrest UUnderdoseUremiaInsufficient dose of prescription medicationsExcess urea in the blood due to kidney failure, congestive heart failure, urinary obstruction TTraumaTumorConcussion; traumatic brain injury; increased intracranial pressure due to epidural hemorrhageBrain tumor; metastasis to the brain; paraneoplastic syndrome IInsulinIntestinalHypoglycemia; hyperosmolar hyperglycemic stateIntussusception; Intestinal malrotation with volvulus PPsychogenicPoisonsPsychosis; pseudoseizure; conversion disorderCarbon monoxide poisoning; lead poisoning; iron poisoning SStrokeShockHemorrhagic stroke due to arteriovenous malformation (AVM)Neurogenic shock due to spinal cord injury; cardiogenic shock due to myocardial infarction
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