Delirium Tremens Flashcards
What is delirium tremens?
Most serious withdrawal state seen 1-3 days after alcohol cessation.
How long do you need to have been taking alcohol for to see delirium tremens?
heavy for at least 1 month
What are some symptoms of delirium tremens?
Disorientation Agitation Marked tremor Visual hallucinations Sweating Tachycardia Tachypnoea Pyrexia
What are some complications of delirium tremens?
Dehydration Infection Hepatic disease Seizures Dry Beriberi
What are some general symptoms of dry beriberi?
Numbness of hands and feet
Confusion
Trouble moving legs
Pain
What is the specific form of dry beriberi found in delirium tremens?
Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome
What does dry beriberi affect?
Nervous system
What does wet beriberi affect?
Cardiovascular system
What causes Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome?
B1/Thiamine deficiency
What are some symptoms of Wernicke’s syndrome?
Ocular disturbances- Nystagmus, LR paralysis
Mental state changes- Confusion, Apathy, decreased awareness
Ataxia/gait disturbances
Give some examples of ocular disturbances seen in Wernicke’s syndrome
Nystagmus
LR paralysis
Give some examples of mental state changes seen in Wernicke’s syndrome
Confusion
Apathy
Decreased awareness
Give some symptoms of Korsakoff’s syndrome
Anterograde amnesia Sometimes retrograde amnesia Aphasia Apraxia Agnosia
What is anterograde amnesia?
Inability to form new memories
WHat is aphasia?
Inability to process or form language
