This medical term is an association of the Latin terms "delirium", "delirium" and "delirium tremens". Delirium tremens, or "trembling delirium," was apparently first used in the early 19th century by physician Thomas Sutton. For a while, it was used both to refer to a delusional state caused by excessive alcohol consumption and a state associated with alcohol withdrawal. At the end of the 19th century, the definition of alcoholic delirium was clarified. There is no longer a question of linking this to the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. Delirium tremens is a complication of alcohol withdrawal. It is characterized by hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system associated with confusion, disorientation, hallucinatory delirium and, in some cases, seizures.
The cause of alcohol delirium
Delirium tremens is a consequence of alcohol withdrawal . To understand its origin, we must return to alcohol addiction. Excessive and/or chronic alcohol consumption leads to changes in the central nervous system. It is these changes that cause dysfunction when alcohol consumption decreases or stops abruptly. They are the cause of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and, in the most severe cases, manifestations of alcohol delirium.
Diagnosis of alcoholic delirium
The diagnosis of delirium tremens essentially requires a clinical examination. If possible, it is supplemented by a survey of the patient and relatives.
In addition to diagnosis, medical examinations can be prescribed to assess and monitor the patient's general health.:
blood test ;
blood ionogram with measurement of blood sugar and creatinine levels;
creatine phosphokinase analysis;
hemostasis assessments ;
electrocardiograms ;
chest X-ray.
People suffering from delirium tremens
Delirium tremens occurs in people with alcohol withdrawal. This is especially true for people suffering from alcohol withdrawal without medical supervision. To avoid complications, the support of a medical professional is necessary.
Factors contributing to alcohol delirium
Although uncontrolled alcohol withdrawal increases the risk of alcohol delirium, other factors contributing to this complication have been identified. These factors can be classified as follows:
socio-demographic factors such as age over 40, burn injuries, the number of previous weaning, a history of alcoholic delirium, or convincing weaning crises;
factors that fall within the scope of the consumption regime, including, in particular, the amount of alcohol consumed per day, the late age of excessive consumption, tolerance and significant dependence or excessive use of benzodiazepines or barbiturates;
biological factors such as the presence of thrombocytopenia, anemia, hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia, or even hypochloremia;
clinical factors such as hypotension, rapid heartbeat or respiratory rate, or the presence of infection.
Symptoms of alcoholic delirium
Delirium tremens causes a number of symptoms. Some of them are typical for alcohol withdrawal, while others are typical for alcohol delirium.
Typical alcohol Withdrawal symptoms
Delirium tremens is manifested by typical withdrawal symptoms such as:
from nausea and/ or vomiting ;
changes in vital parameters in arterial hypertension , tachycardia , hyperthermia;
tremor;
anxiety and increased arousal.
Specific symptoms of alcoholic delirium
Delirium tremens is also manifested by more specific symptoms.:
hallucinatory delirium with complete attachment to the corresponding person, leading to visual hallucinations with terrifying scenarios, auditory and cenesthetic hallucinations, etc.;
confusion with spatiotemporal disorientation, post-confusional amnesia, etc.;
neurological signs with intense and generalized body tremor, balance disorders, and sometimes seizures.
Duration of symptoms of alcoholic delirium
Delirium tremens usually appears 48-72 hours after the onset of alcohol withdrawal. This condition can last from 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the case and treatment.
Treatment of alcoholic delirium
Treatment of alcoholic delirium usually includes:
sedation treatment, which is mainly based on the use of benzodiazepines, and sometimes on barbiturates or propofol;
intake of water, minerals and vitamins for the correction of hydro-electrolyte and vitamin disorders;
medical supervision supported by nursing care;
correction of hyperthermia.
Prevent alcohol delirium
The prevention of alcohol delirium depends, first of all, on the proper treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This should be done under medical supervision to reduce the risk of complications. Le code promo 1xbet rdc est une solution idéale pour débuter avec des avantages solides. Le bonus paris sportifs de 100 % jusqu’à 130 € augmente le potentiel de mises gagnantes. Le casino complète cette offre avec 1 950 € de bonus et 150 tours gratuits, apportant une valeur ajoutée significative aux nouveaux joueurs. 20.