Alcohol Flashcards
1
Q
What is the difference between Wernicke and Korsakoff syndromes?
A
Wernicke: opthalmoplegia, nystagmus, confusion. Reversible with thiamine replacement.
Korsakoff: IRREVERSIBLE chronic psychosis w/ anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories) and confabulation. Damage to mamillary bodies and thalamic nuclei.
2
Q
What is the timeline of alcohol withdrawal?
A
1) Acute withdrawal syndrome: 12-48 hours after last drink. Tremors, sweating, hyperreflexia, and seizures (“rum fits”)
2) Alcoholic hallucinosis (24-72 hours after last drink). Auditory and visual hallucinations without autonomic signs
3) Delirium tremens (2-7 days after last drink). Hallucinations and illusions, poor sleep, autonomic lability (sweating, increased pulse, temperature)
