Delirium tremens – Jumps

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

What is delirium tremens?

Delirium tremens (delirium tremens) – severe disturbance of normal brain, caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Causes of delirium tremens

Delirium tremens occurs, when a person, long time ever drink alcohol (state binge), suddenly stops or reduces its consumption.

Risk factors for delirium tremens

Factors, which can increase the risk of delirium include:

• Alcohol abuse in the recent past;
• The presence of delirium tremens in the past;
• Other medical problems in addition to alcohol abuse.

Symptoms of delirium tremens – signs of delirium tremens in alcoholics

Symptoms of delirium tremens usually appear 3-7 days after the sudden cessation or reduction in alcohol consumption and may include:

• Anxiety disorder;
• Confusion and disorientation;
• Delirium;
• Sleeping problems;
• Nightmares of a dream;
• Severe agitation;
• Fever;
• Hallucinations – visual and auditory;
• Misconceptions – false belief, strongly approved sick;
• Tremor (tremor) hands, head or body;
• Strong sweating;
• Cardiopalmus;
• Nausea;
• Increased respiratory rate;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Fervescence;
• Convulsions.

In severe cases, delirium tremens can lead to death, especially in the absence of treatment.

Diagnosis of delirium tremens

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. The diagnosis of delirium tremens is usually based on symptoms and signs of disease after cessation of alcohol. Tests may include:

• Blood test, to check liver function, the ability of blood-clotting, or electrolyte levels in the blood;
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) – It is used to measure the electrical activity of the brain;
• The pictures of the internal structure of the body, what can be used:
  • CT scan;
  • MRT.

Delirium tremens – treatment

Treatment of delirium tremens can be quite difficult. In cure delirium tremens usually need 12-24 hours, but sometimes it can take up to 2-10 days. After treatment of delirium tremens need to undergo treatment for alcoholism.

Treatment options may include delirium tremens:

Medicines for delirium tremens

Medications for the treatment of delirium may include:

• Sedativnыe;
• Anticonvulsants;
• Other anticonvulsant medications.

Vitamins and fluid for the treatment of delirium tremens

Delirium tremens can be accompanied by severe, life-threatening vitamin deficiency or dehydration. Treatment may include:

• The introduction of drip drugs magnesium and glucose;
• Intravenous administration of vitamin C and other vitamins, such as thiamine and folic acid.

Rehabilitation after delirium tremens

Alcoholism treatment may be carried out in a hospital or at home. It may involve individual or group therapy. Many people find support groups participating in Alcoholics Anonymous.

Prevention of delirium tremens

To prevent delirium tremens is necessary not to abuse alcohol. If you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol, You can not dramatically reduce the amount or stop drinking on their own discretion. Talk to your doctor about, how to safely reduce consumption.