How to notice delirium tremens in time and not die

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Hallucinations, fever and tremors after a binge are a reason to call an ambulance.

What is delirium tremens

Delirium tremens is a mental disorder A mental and behavioral disorder caused by alcohol use (F10) that occurs in some people with alcoholism as a complication of withdrawal. Doctors also call this condition alcoholic delirium, and it is popularly known as "squirrel".

Let's say right away, if you drink a glass of wine once a week, you won't have delirium tremens. Most often, the condition occurs in those who are at the IV stage of alcoholism The Four Stages of Alcoholism. Such people are constantly drawn to alcohol, and they cannot control impulses.

Deviation causes profound changes in the brain and nervous system. This can lead to death.

What are the symptoms of delirium tremens

Typically, signs of alcoholic delirium appear on the 2-4th day after a sudden recovery from the binge. But it happens that a person notices a problem after 10 days. Call an ambulance immediately if you see one or more of these Delirium Tremens symptoms in yourself or someone else:

• muscle tremors or tremors in the arms and legs;
• chest pain;
• confusion of consciousness;
• dehydration;
• excited state;
• heat;
• hallucinations;
• heavy sweating;
• high blood pressure;
• nausea or vomiting;
• nightmares;
• pale skin;
• violation of muscle tone;
• fast heartbeat;
• convulsions;
• increased sensitivity to light, sound and touch;
• drowsiness, stupor, or fatigue;
• abdominal pain Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium;
• sudden mood swings;
• unreasonable fear or anxiety.

Why does delirium tremens appear

Alcohol is a depressant. It inhibits certain neurotransmitters. What are neurotransmitters? - chemicals that transmit signals from one nerve cell to another.

When a person drinks regularly, Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium's neurotransmitters work harder. So they resist the effects of alcohol. If you quit abruptly, the nervous system will not be able to quickly adapt. The brain will get overstimulated. Because of this, the signs of the disorder will appear, which we mentioned above.

Why is delirium tremens dangerous?

Approximately 8% of people in the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of withdrawal symptoms with delirium with alcoholic delirium die. Due to the violation, life-threatening complications sometimes appear. For example, respiratory failure, arrhythmia. The risk of death increases if the patient already has or has developed these Delirium Tremens (DTs) problems:

• severe fever;
• fluid imbalance;
• an imbalance in electrolytes (the minerals that control the body's function do not function);
• pneumonia;
• hepatitis;
• pancreatitis;
• alcoholic ketoacidosis;
• hidden injuries after seizures;
• Gaje-Wernicke syndrome.

How is delirium tremens diagnosed?

Only a narcologist can determine the deviation. Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of withdrawal symptoms with delirium. First, he listens to complaints and asks how long ago the person stopped drinking or reduced the dose of alcohol. Then he examines the patient and examines his medical history.

If necessary, the doctor will prescribe tests and examinations for Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium.

Toxicological screening

It will need a urine or blood sample. The results can help you figure out if you have alcohol or drugs in your body. The presence of the latter may indicate a different diagnosis, and, consequently, a different treatment.

Blood test

A lab technician checks your magnesium and phosphate levels. If there are not enough substances, this may indicate alcoholism.

The doctor may also order a series of 14 tests called the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. It is needed to find out the condition of the kidneys, liver, the presence of diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure.

Electrocardiography

Arrhythmias sometimes occur in people with alcoholism. The study helps to understand if there are abnormalities in the electrical activity of the heart. The results show how severely the abolition of alcohol affected the organ.

Electroencephalogram

During the study, the doctor tries to analyze the performance of the brain. It is most often prescribed to people who have seizures with hallucinations.

How is delirium tremens treated?

Most patients need 24/7 care, so they stay in the hospital. Some even end up in intensive care.

Depending on the symptoms and test results, the narcologist may prescribe one or more Delirium Tremens (DTs) treatments.

Supportive therapy

The person should be in a quiet and well-lit room. If he is sick, then doctors recommend lying on his side. Intubated, that is, a special tube is inserted into the trachea, mainly for those who are unconscious. This is to prevent the patient from suffocating if they vomit.

The doctor constantly monitors the water and electrolyte balance in the body. If dehydration is present, rehydration solutions are given intravenously.

Some people with alcoholic delirium can be harmful. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of delirious withdrawal symptoms to oneself or others. These are sometimes fixed on the bed.

Drugs

Delirium Tremens benzodiazepine medications help calm the nervous system. If the patient has hallucinations, the doctor will prescribe antipsychotic medications. You may also need medications for seizures, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and pain relievers.

Vitamins and nutrients

Thiamine Delirium Tremens (DTs) Treatment & Management helps prevent Gaillain-Wernicke syndrome. This is a deadly disease. It can be identified by confusion, although it often goes unnoticed.

Magnesium Delirium Tremens (DTs) Treatment & Management is prescribed for patients with weakness, tremors, cardiac arrhythmias and overactive reflexes.