تعريف
Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe disturbance of the brain caused by alcohol withdrawal.
أسباب
DTs occur when a person who repeatedly drinks large amounts of alcohol suddenly stops or decreases the amount of alcohol consumed.
عوامل الخطر
These factors increase your chance of developing DTs:
- History of DTs
- Other medical problems in addition to alcohol abuse
- تلف في الدماغ
- Age: Older than 30 years
الأعراض
Symptoms usually begin 2-4 days after suddenly stopping or decreasing alcohol intake. Symptoms may include:
- قلق
- Confusion / disorientation
- Delirium —changing levels of alertness
- مشكلة في النوم
- Bad dreams
- Severe agitation
- حمى
- Hallucinations—the perception of a thing, voice, or person that is not present, both visual and auditory
- Delusions—a false belief that is strongly held
- Tremors of the hands, head, or body
- Severe sweating
- ضربات قلب سريعة
- الغثيان
- Increased rate of breathing
- زيادة ضغط الدم
- Increased body temperature
- النوبات
In severe cases, DTs can result in death, especially if untreated.
التشخيص
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis of DTs is usually based on the symptoms and signs of the disorder. Tests may include:
- You may have your bodily fluid tested. This can be done with blood tests to measure liver function, blood clotting ability, or electrolytes.
- You may need to have your brain function evaluated. This can be done withelectroencephalogram (EEG).
- قد تحتاج إلى التقاط صور لهياكلك الجسدية. يمكن القيام بذلك من خلال:
- الاشعة المقطعية
- تصوير الرنين المغناطيسي
العلاج
Treatment can be difficult. DTs are likely to last for 5-7 days. Clearing of DTs may begin in 12-24 hours, but may take up to 2-10 days. Treatment for alcohol abuse is necessary after DTs are under control.
قد يشمل العلاج ما يلي:
الدواء
Medicines may include:
- Sedatives to:
- Calm agitation
- Ease withdrawal symptoms
- Aspirin or acetaminophen to lower fever
- Anti-seizure medicine
Vitamins and Fluids
Severe, life-threatening vitamin deficiency or dehydration may accompany DTs. Treatment may include:
- IV fluids, magnesium, and glucose
- IV doses of vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, including thiamin and folic acid
إعادة تأهيل
Treatment for alcohol abuse may be done in a hospital setting or while living at home. It may involve individual or group therapy. Many people seek support by participating in groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
If you are diagnosed as experiencing DTs, follow your doctor’s instructions .
الوقاية
To prevent having DTs, do not abuse alcohol. If you do drink large amounts on a regular basis, do not suddenly decrease the amount or stop drinking on your own. Rather, get advice from your doctor on the safest way to lower your intake.