Delirium tremens, commonly referred to as 'DTs' or 'the shakes,' is the most severe form of all alcohol withdrawal from heavy alcohol abuse. Delirium tremens involves very serious, and often sudden, modification in the nervous system, alongside hyperactivity and confusion. The name of this withdrawal syndrome is coined from the Latin term for 'trembling delirium' which most accurately describes the main symptoms; severe tremors (shakiness) and anxiety, as well as delirium.
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Delirium itself is a confused and disoriented mental condition which is often accompanied by a high level of hallucinations. On a general note, the symptoms of delirium tremens will begin from about fourty-eight (48) to seventy two (72) hours after ones initial withdrawal from alcohol use. Although delirium tremens does not apply to all as not everyone who abuses alcohol long term will develop delirium tremens at the end of the day, the symptoms however are very dangerous and if not properly treated on time could lead to death.
It is very interesting to note that the hallucinations caused by delirium tremens often have a common theme. Hallucinations sometimes are of very unpleasant crawling creatures such as spiders, cockroaches, snakes and other bugs. As well as being seen crawling into and around the house, some people do feel these creatures crawling over their bodies as well.
Delirium Tremens - Causes
According to recent result of research, the exact cause of delirium tremens still remains a topic for debate, however one of the most generally accepted thoughts or reasons for delirium tremens is thus:
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to regulate GABA, (one of the body's neurotransmitter).
When an individual continuously takes alcohol heavily, it is a general belief that the body intertwines alcohol for GABA and, in effect reduces the production of the neurotransmitter. Thus, when a chronic alcoholic withdraws from drinking, and his/her alcohol levels drop, the body would believe that there is not enough GABA to function properly, leading to delirium tremens
The severiety of this condition can last for different amounts of time, it simply depends on the patient.
Psychiatry states that:
The brain seems to compensate for alcohol’s enhancement of GABA (inhibitory) neurons by up-regulating excitatory neurons (glutamate).
Alcohol has over time been known to have some effects on neurons; the implication of this is that withdrawing alcohol triggers an “excitatory state” until the brain can readjust back to the delicate balance between excitation and inhibition, a process that could take weeks or even months.
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Delirium Tremens - Symptoms
There exist a wide variety of symptoms which could occur in a state of delirium tremens. These experience is varies for each person experiencing delirium tremen as its likely based on different physiology as well as length and severity of alcoholism. In addition to this, the symptoms might get modified quickly; this is quite relative to those linked with mood. The underlisted points is a brief summary of symptoms as manifested in delirium tremens.
•Delirium, confusion and disorientation
•Tremors and extreme shakiness
•Agitation and difficulty concentrating
•Increased activity, excitement and restlessness
•Fear, and panic, including panic attacks
•Sleepiness, or sleep that lasts for 24 hours or more
•Hyperactive sensitivity to light, noise and touch
Sweating profusely on the hands or face
•Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and even lack of appetite,
•Pains in the chest, heart palpitations and rapid or irregular heartbeat
•pale skin
•fever
•hallucinations
•seizures
Treating Delirium Tremens
Of the majority of times, a person going through delirium tremens will have to be hospitalized just so that they can be monitored. A common treatment for delirium tremens is to keep the person sedated using a benzodiazepine like Valium or Librium. Sedation is given so that the drugs will allow the excitability of the nervous system to be heavily suppressed in a bid to reduce the symptoms of delirium tremens
The main goal of alcohol withdrawal treatment are to reduce the symptoms of delirium tremens, prevent complications, and aid in maintaining abstinence from alcohol usage.
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The treatment of delirium tremens typically begins with a physical examination of the patient to detect any co-existing conditions, such as: alcoholic hepatitis, infectious diseases, arrhythmia or pancreatic diseases etc. A form of supportive care either in a hospital or in an out patient setting with a caregiver watching over the patient is very well recommended in alcohol withdrawal treatment after other conditions have been properly treated.
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