Pathologic mechanism producing delirium are complex and are thought to involve wide spread neuronal or neurotransmitter dysfunction. Four general cause are
Delirium or acute confusional state generally develops over days.
Attention, perception, thinking and memory are all altered.
Patient may fluctuate rapidly between hypoactive and hyperactive state.
Sleep wake cycles are disrupted, with increased somnolence during day and agitation at night.
Tremor, asterixis, tachycardia, sweating, hypertension & emotional outburst may be present.
Hallucination tend to be visual, although auditory hallucination can also occur.