The Emerging Frontier of Neuromodulation for Delirium

Delirium remains the most common and consequential neuropsychiatric syndrome encountered in the hospital, yet its treatment has changed remarkably little despite advances in understanding its pathophysiology. Current management appropriately emphasizes identification and treatment of precipitating medical etiologies, minimization of deliriogenic exposures, and supportive care [1]. Pharmacologic interventions may be necessary for selected symptoms or circumstances, but they generally target a limited number of neurotransmitter systems and are applied broadly across a syndrome characterized by substantial neurobiological heterogeneity [2].