| Stage | Characteristics |
|---|
| Alertness | Aware of time and place |
| Automatism | Aware of time and place but demonstrates abnormality of mood (euphoria to irritability) |
| Confusion | Inability to think and speak in coherent manner; responds to verbal requests but is unaware of time and place |
| Delirium | Restlessness and violent activity; may not comply with verbal instructions |
| Stupor | Quiet and uncommunicative; may appear conscious—sits or lies with glazed look; unable to respond to verbal instructions; bladder and rectal incontinence may occur |
| Semicoma | Unresponsive to verbal instructions but responds to vigorous or painful stimuli |
| Coma | Unresponsive to vigorous or painful stimuli |