Delirium tremens
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes.
Delirium tremens can occur after a period of heavy alcohol drinking, especially when the person does not eat enough food.
It may also be triggered by head injury, infection, or illness in people with a history of heavy alcohol use.
It is most common in people who have a history of alcohol withdrawal. It is especially common in those who drink the equivalent of 7 - 8 pints of beer (or 1 pint of "hard" alcohol) every day for several months. Delirium tremens also commonly affects those who have had a history of habitual alcohol use or alcoholism for more than 10 years.
- Body tremors
- Mental status changes
- Agitation, irritability
- Confusion, disorientation
- Decreased attention span
- Decreased mental status
- Deep sleep that persists for a day or longer
- Stupor, sleepiness, lethargy
- Usually occurs after acute symptoms
- Delirium (severe, acute loss of mental functions)
- Excitement
- Fear
- Hallucinations (visual hallucinations such as seeing things that are not present are most common)
- Highly sensitive to light, sound, touch (sensory hyperacuity)
- Increased activity
- Mood changes rapidly
- Restlessness, excitement
- Seizures
- Most common in first 24 - 48 hours after last alcohol consumption
- Most common in people with previous complications from alcohol withdrawal
- Usually generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Fatigue
- Feeling jumpy or nervous
- Feeling shaky
- Headache, general, pulsating
- Insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep)
- Irritability or easily excited
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Pale skin
- Palpitations (sensation of feeling the heart beat)
- Rapid emotional changes
- Sweating, especially the palms of the hands or the face
- Vomiting
Additional symptoms that may occur:
Symptoms most commonly occur within 72 hours after the last drink. However, they may occur up to 7 - 10 days after the last drink. Symptoms may get worse rapidly.
Delirium tremens is a medical emergency.
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Signs may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Increased startle reflex
- Irregular heartbeat
- Problems with eye muscle movement
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid muscle tremors
The following tests may be done:
- Chem-20
- Electrocardiogram (ECG
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Toxicology screen (urine or blood)
The goals of treatment are to:
- Save the person's life
- Relieve symptoms
- Prevent complications
A hospital stay is required. The health care team will regularly check:
- Blood chemistry results, such as electrolyte levels
- Fluids
- Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure)
Symptoms such as seizures and heart arrhythmias are treated with the following medications:
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or phenobarbital
- Central nervous system depressants such as diazepam
- Clonidine to reduce cardiovascular symptoms and reduce anxiety
- Sedatives
The patient may need to be put into a sedated state for a week or more until withdrawal is complete. Benzodiazepine medications such as diazepam or lorazepam are often used. These drugs also help treat seizures, anxiety, and tremors.
In persons with hallucinations, antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol may sometimes be necessary.
Long-term preventive treatment may begin after the patient recovers from acute symptoms. This may involve a "drying out" period, in which no alcohol is allowed. The person should receive treatment for alcohol use or alcoholism, including:
- Counseling
- Support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous)
The patient should be tested, and if necessary, treated for other medical problems associated with alcohol use. Such problems may include:
- Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Alcoholic neuropathy
- Blood clotting disorders
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Delirium tremens is serious and may be life-threatening. Symptoms such as sleeplessness, feeling tired, and emotional instability may persist for a year or more.
- Heart arrhythmias, may be life-threatening
- Injury from falls during seizures
- Injury to self or others caused by mental state (confusion/delirium)
- Seizures
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms. Delirium tremens is an emergency condition.
Avoid or reduce the use of alcohol. Get prompt medical treatment for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
For more information see: Alcoholism
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
