Treatment is directed at the cause of the confusion.
All medicines have possible side effects. For example, antibiotics may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia.
In many cases, confusion goes away when the cause is treated. In other cases, confusion may be a sign of more serious disease. Some causes of confusion such as stroke and Alzheimer disease may cause permanent brain damage and problems with brain function.
A confused person should not be left alone. Other monitoring depends on the underlying cause. For example, those who have had a stroke often need close monitoring in an intensive care unit for awhile. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.