Delirium tremens - causes and signs of delirium tremens

The disease is not observed during a binge, it appears a few days after stopping drinking. In some cases, the malaise can be caused by a head injury or an infectious lesion of the brain in people suffering from alcoholism. The latter is observed in those who have been abusing "fuel" for more than ten years. The following types of delirium are usually distinguished:

• hypnagogic – delirium that occurs when falling asleep, a sudden feeling of fear and behavioral disturbance, can last for one or two days;
• systematized – consistent, scene-like visions that have a plot (usually scenes of an attack, a chase);
• abortive – isolated mirages, quickly forgotten;
• chronic – the most complex form (psychosis lasts for two or more weeks, occurs in elderly patients).

Causes

This state of health occurs if an individual has been drinking alcoholic beverages for a long time and suddenly stopped doing so or significantly reduced the doses consumed.

The risk of developing an abnormality increases if a person has any other ailments, he drinks a lot of alcohol and eats little, in in the recent past he already suffered from this ailment and similar episodes happened to him.

Symptoms

As a rule, signs of deviation appear 3-7 days after the abolition of alcohol. Symptoms include:

• disorientation and confusion;
• increased anxiety;
• insomnia;
• nightmares;
• delirium;
• increased excitability;
• auditory and visual hallucinations;
• tremors - shaking of the body, hands, head;
• increased sweating;
• rapid breathing;
• nausea and vomiting;
• increased body temperature;
• fluctuations in blood pressure;
• changes in gait;
• limbs cramps;
• deviations in thinking.

In the most severe cases of the disease, death is possible without medical assistance.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics is based primarily on the assessment of clinical manifestations and the collection of a detailed anamnesis. To confirm the diagnosis, narcologists may prescribe the following tests:

• tests to determine the level of magnesium and phosphates in the blood;
• electroencephalography;
• electrocardiogram;
• computer tomography;
• magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment

Sometimes therapy can be difficult. On average, about a day is needed to eliminate the pathology, but it may take ten days. After curing alcohol delirium, it is strongly recommended to begin eliminating the consequences of drunkenness itself.

Physiological options include the use of sedatives and anticonvulsants, the introduction of glucose and magnesium through a dropper, as well as vitamin C and folic acid.

If a person drank regularly and a lot, it is impossible to sharply reduce the amount of alcohol.

To eliminate the consequences, neuroleptics and benzodiazepines are used. This is done in the conditions of the ward (department) of intensive care. Agitation is relieved by neuroleptics devoid of a pronounced sedative effect, the risk of excessive decrease in blood pressure. The drug of choice among neuroleptics is haloperidol at a dosage of 2-10 mg intramuscularly, if agitation is not relieved, the specified dose is re-administered every hour. After achieving a sedative effect, enteral administration of haloperidol (10-60 mg per day) is switched to.

Carbamazepine is effective in relieving agitation and muscle contractions in the abortive form. Compared to benzodiazepines, the drug suppresses psychosis more successfully. But in case of severe delirium, it is not used.

Additionally, detoxification and hydration therapy are carried out, shock doses of B vitamins (especially B1) and C are prescribed. Intoxication is relieved by hemosorption, intravenous drip infusions of hemodez, glucose, rheopolyglucin.

Infusions of isotonic solution, unithiol, magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate are often used. Heart activity is supported by corglycon and cordiamine. To prevent cerebral edema, Lasix (1% solution) is administered.

Physiology can be performed in a medical facility or at home. As a rule, in these cases, it is recommended to find psychological support from a qualified specialist or in special groups of anonymous alcoholics.

Prevention

To prevent the disease, it is necessary to overcome the problem of alcohol addiction. To prevent the latter from happening, a person must remember that no one has ever been able to solve problems with the help of alcohol. If an individual notices a tendency to frequent drinking, it is necessary to realize this and avoid drinking companies or control the amount of alcohol consumed. Those who have a history of alcoholism in their family should refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages. It is not alcohol that will help overcome problems, but a psychotherapist or psychologist, a visit to whom will be the best solution.