Delirium tremens. Symptoms and consequences, what is it, treatment with folk remedies, drugs

Multi-day consumption of alcoholic beverages negatively affects not only the organs, but also the psyche. As a result, after a few days, the person's well-being changes, he begins to behave strangely.

The condition is called delirium tremens. Another name for an attack is alcoholic delirium. It is necessary to study the possible symptoms and ways to quickly treat the pathology in order to avoid negative consequences.

What is delirium tremens?

Delirium tremens (symptoms and consequences are related) is a mental disorder of a severe nature, which consists in excessive aggressiveness, strong arousal. Pathology develops with the use of alcoholic products.

The name of the state arose for a reason. The attack is characterized by high fever and pale skin. In this case, the appearance of hallucinations is possible. With alcoholic delirium, suicide is not excluded.

Usually attacks appear at 2 and 3 stages of alcoholism. Approximately 5 years after the beginning of the constant use of alcoholic beverages. There are people who did not suffer from alcoholism, but they have seizures. This happens if, due to emotional stress, a person drinks for several weeks. And also in the case of the use of low-quality alcohol.

Delirium tremens requires urgent hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital. If you neglect this point, there is a high probability of spasm of the heart or respiratory system. The consequence is death.

Who does it manifest?

Alcoholic delirium occurs in men and women. In the first case, fever is more common. This is because women rarely get binge. Fever may occur in children, but this is not common.

Causes and risk factors

Delirium tremens (symptoms and consequences manifest individually) is an attack that can appear for various reasons.

The most common ones are:

• long-term use of alcoholic beverages - this item includes alcoholism or a one-time use of alcohol for 7 days or more;
• drinking low-quality alcohol or technological liquids (cologne);
• long-term use of drugs that include alcohol.

Delirium tremens appears as a result of abrupt withdrawal of alcoholic beverages. The body experiences withdrawal symptoms, which are similar to a narcotic. The brain lacks oxygen due to intoxication. As a result, symptoms of an attack appear.

There are factors that can increase the likelihood of delirium tremens.

Namely:

• postponed TBI, diseases of the central nervous system;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• serious violations in the work of organs - an attack can occur with liver pathologies;
• intense tension and stress;
• bad heredity - if someone in the family has alcoholic delirium, the likelihood of an attack in family members increases;
• a one-time manifestation of an attack - if a person had delirium tremens once, then the risk of a recurrence of pathology increases;
• frequent stay in crowded places - bus, plane.

Forms of the disease

The disease has a classification. The types of alcoholic delirium are shown in the table.

Name of delirium tremens	Description
Classic	The attack gradually increases in intensity. The stages of development of the disease are sequential.
Lucidnaya	The pathology is acute. Anxiety and fear can be distinguished as symptoms. In addition, coordination is impaired, tremor occurs (rapid and rhythmic movements of the limbs). In lucid delirium, delusions and hallucinations are rare.
Abortive	The person becomes very anxious, delirium is present. And also hallucinations are characteristic of this type. The fever often turns into another form.
Professional	At first, the attack is similar to classic delirium. But when the pathology develops, the symptoms in the form of delusions and hallucinations decrease in intensity. A person automatically repeats the same movements that are associated with professional activities. For example, driving a car, hammering nails, and more.
Musical	Another name for fever is muttering. A person's consciousness is disturbed, he walks and constantly utters words. Additionally, there are chaotic movements. Most often, exaggerating fever develops from a professional one.
Atypical	Symptoms of schizophrenia appear. This type is found in people who have suffered 1 or more delirium attacks in the past. The end of the psychosis can be abrupt (critical) or gradual (lytic). In the latter case, the person is delirious for a long time.
Reduced	The main symptoms of the disease appear for a short time. Signs are poorly identified.

Delirium symptoms at different stages

The symptoms of delirium tremens vary depending on the stage.

Namely:

1. Initial. The appearance lasts the first 2 days after the binge. The average duration is 3 days. If the immunity is strong, then the initial stage passes to another in 1.5 - 2 days. The person has mood swings. For example, at first he is having fun, and after a short period of time he begins to worry. This stage is characterized by talkativeness, a person can talk about memories. Facial expressions and movements change rapidly.

   

2. Average. The stage is characterized by hallucinations. The symptom is especially manifested when falling asleep. A person sleeps superficially, he constantly has nightmares. The second stage of delirium tremens lasts 2 - 3 days.
3. Heavy. Hallucinations take on a vivid character, they arise constantly. A person feels small creatures with his whole body. For example, insects. Additionally, the pupils dilate, breathing becomes intermittent. There is trembling all over the body, as well as cramps. A person cannot adequately respond to what is happening.

Additional symptoms of an attack:

• the desire to drink alcohol disappears - sometimes the situation comes to disgust;
• acute reaction to various stimuli (light, sound, smell);
• anxiety at night;
• persecution mania - a person thinks that other people want to harm him;
• changes in blood pressure;
• heat;
• increased heart rate;
• lack of appetite;
• vomit;
• dizziness;
• profuse sweating - the symptom has a specific odor that is similar to dirty socks;
• redness on the skin;
• the whites of the eyes are yellow;
• severe tremors - the symptom manifests itself in the same way as with chills.

Hallucinations with delirium tremens

With a disease, hallucinations do not appear immediately. But if there is no pathology therapy, then the symptom arises.

Hallucinations with delirium tremens are divided into several types:

• Spotting. Small objects appear to a person. For example, insects. But there may be fear of large animals. Additionally, there are optical illusions. For example, the shadow of an object is perceived as a person.
• Hearing aids. A person constantly hears different voices. They are aggressive and abusive in nature. If the illness is serious, the voices give orders.
• Tactile. During an attack, it seems that there are foreign objects in the oral cavity. And also a person tries to knock off creatures.

In the absence of seizure therapy, hallucinations become more serious. A person does not distinguish between the fictional world and the real one. This is dangerous not only for the patient, but also for the people around him.

How common is delirium?

Not all people have delirium tremens. According to statistics, the likelihood of delirium is 15-30%. If a person has diseases of the central nervous system, heart, brain, the indicator increases.

How long does it take after a binge?

Delirium tremens usually appears within 3 days after a binge. In rare cases, symptoms may be noticeable for up to 1 week. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the signs and visit a doctor in time to avoid the consequences.

Additionally, the duration of the attack depends on the following points:

• the stage of alcoholism and the duration of the binge;
• the state of human health;
• mental stability;
• timely provision of first aid in case of an attack;
• the amount of alcohol;
• alcohol quality;
• concomitant mental illness;
• age category of a person.

If an attack occurs in people who do not suffer from chronic alcoholism, but have taken a large dose of alcohol, the fever lasts from 5 to 6 days. But the attack can last 2 to 3 weeks.

The main danger

Delirium tremens is a danger to the person himself. An attack is very stressful for the body. When symptoms occur, exhaustion occurs. As a result, the functionality of the brain, liver, and gastrointestinal tract is impaired. And also an attack negatively affects the work of the heart and blood vessels, the central nervous system.

But the main danger of fever is that a person can harm himself and those around him. He does not distinguish between reality and hallucination. As a result, inappropriate actions are allowed. For example, jumping out the window, fighting.

How to understand that a person has delirium tremens?

Delirium tremens (symptoms and consequences are interrelated factors) has certain characteristics. With their help, you can distinguish an attack from other diseases.

Features include the following items:

• the attack does not begin immediately when alcohol enters the body - psychosis occurs 2 to 5 days after refusing alcohol;
• before delirium, preceding symptoms occur - headache, convulsions, vomiting;
• the attack is characterized by various hallucinations (auditory, visual, tactile);
• after hallucination, it seems to a person that he is being watched;
• fever is always accompanied by mental abnormalities;
• hallucinations occur suddenly, stop abruptly;
• during an attack, facial expressions change - others may notice horror and fear on a person's face.

What to do, where to go?

If there is a suspicion of delirium tremens, you need to call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the brigade, first aid should be provided.

It consists in performing the following actions:

1. Put the person to bed.
2. If, during an attack, a person wants to get up, you need to prevent this. In severe cases, it may be necessary to tie the limbs. The fulfillment of the item prevents traumatization of the person himself and the people around him.
3. Apply ice to the forehead if the temperature is slightly elevated. And also to reduce the indicator, wiping with cool water and a compress is suitable. In case of high fever, the use of antipyretic drugs is allowed. For example, Nurofen, Ibuklin.
4. Give the person as much water as possible. Completing the paragraph will help to avoid a lack of fluid.
5. If blood pressure is abnormal, it can be corrected with medication. When blood pressure is increased, the use of Kapoten, Captopril is allowed. In the case of a reduced value, it is recommended to take Caffeine-sodium benzoate.
6. For sedation, the use of sedatives is allowed. For example, Novo-Passit, Afobazol.
7. With an attack, a person should not be left alone, you need to constantly monitor his condition.
8. To avoid excessive excitement, you should speak quietly with the person, try to establish a trusting contact.

It is necessary to remove from the access area all objects that can cause severe damage (stabbing and cutting). Medicines should be kept in the cupboard. Before the arrival of the brigade, all doors and windows should be closed.

Before giving a person any medications, it is necessary to clarify this with the ambulance dispatcher. But it's better to wait for the brigade. Medication can change the pattern of an attack, making the diagnosis more difficult.

Treatment for adults

Delirium tremens (symptoms and consequences are individual in each case) needs therapy. The treatment takes into account the general condition of the person, concomitant diseases. Therapy can last in different ways, depending on the severity of the attack. Treatment is carried out in a hospital and then at home. The specific therapy is selected by the doctor based on the stage of alcoholism, the severity of the attack.

In the hospital

Inpatient treatment for delirium tremens has the following effects:

• Normalization of the work of the heart and blood vessels, as well as other organs. Puffiness is reduced with the help of diuretics (Veroshpiron, Lasix), which remove excess fluid from the body.
• Restoration of the psyche. For these purposes, the patient is administered Sibazon or Seduxen. The drugs are classified as tranquilizers. A group of medications helps to reduce anxiety, fear, and anxiety. Additionally, tranquilizers eliminate obsessive thoughts in the head. The drugs have sedative and hypnotic properties. Sleep improves after application. Tranquilizers relax muscles and reduce weakness and lethargy. Additionally, a group of drugs eliminates convulsions.
• Improving cerebral circulation. To normalize memory and brain function, nootropics are prescribed. The group includes Glycine, Piracetam, Bilobil. To achieve a quick effect, injectable drugs can be used. For example, Mexidol, Cerebrolysin.
• Rehydration. A glucose solution is used to restore fluid. The drug is administered intravenously using a dropper. The medication replenishes the supply of energy and helps the body recover from its loss. Additionally, salt solutions are injected - Acesol, Trisol, Ringer's solution.

A person is in the hospital for at least 14 days. During this time, therapy is carried out aimed at eliminating an attack of fever. The positive qualities of inpatient treatment are that the specialist monitors the patient and can adjust the dosage depending on the person's behavior.

At home

After inpatient treatment, home therapy should be followed. Thanks to the implementation of all the recommendations of a specialist, you can reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the attack. Drug therapy is indicated in the table.

Group of drugs	Description	List of funds
Vitamin complexes	The drugs restore the lack of nutrients in the body.	B6, K, B1
Hypnotics	Medicines normalize sleep, improve its quality. Additionally, drugs speed up falling asleep.	Donormil, Melaxen
Antipsychotics	The drugs eliminate delusions and hallucinations.	Sonapax, Aminazin, Triftazin
Anxiolytics	Medicines eliminate fear, anxiety, emotional excitability.	Seduxen, Dormikum, Relanium
Sedatives	Means soothe a person, reduce stress.	Novo-Passit, Persen
Nootropic	Medicines improve memory, normalize coordination of movements.	Bilobil, Glycine, Mexidol
Antidepressants	The drugs eliminate depression. After using the funds, mood improves, motivation increases.	Fluoxetine, Amitriptyline, Pyrazidol

Folk remedies have a low likelihood of side effects. With delirium tremens, the use of herbal recipes is allowed, but as part of a complex therapy. If you use only folk remedies, the effect will be minimal. Using herbal recipes in combination therapy can help reduce the symptoms of delirium tremens and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.

Popular herbal recipes:

• Infusion of bay leaves. For cooking, you need to take 2 - 3 pcs. product, grind. Additionally, you will need 1 - 2 roots of medicinal lovage and 100 ml of vodka. Mix everything thoroughly, leave for 7 - 8 days, filter through cheesecloth. Before use, it is necessary to dissolve 3 - 4 drops of the product in 50 ml of water. The frequency of using the prescription is 3 times a day.
• Infusion of wormwood and yarrow. To prepare the recipe, you need to take 25 g of each component, 100 ml of vodka. Leave the mixture for 10 - 12 days in a glass container. Take 2 tsp. 2 times a day.
• Herbal decoction. To prepare the recipe, you need to take 20 g of yarrow, thyme, wormwood. Pour in 1 glass of hot water, leave for 1 - 2 hours. Filter through cheesecloth, drink the entire amount prepared.

Treatment of children

If symptoms of delirium tremens appear, you should visit a pediatric specialist (pediatrician). It is better to call your doctor at home or call an ambulance.

Before the arrival of a specialist, you need to lower the temperature with the help of antipyretic drugs. For a child, you can purchase Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol. The drugs are available in the form of syrup or tablets. Additionally, you should calm the child down, apply a bandage moistened with cold water to the forehead. Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Further treatment should be prescribed by a specialist based on the age category of the child, the stage of delirium tremens, and concomitant diseases. Most often, drugs are prescribed from the group of antipsychotics. But the appointment of additional funds is allowed. A child can be treated in a hospital setting, so anxiety and excitability will decrease faster.

Predictions and consequences

The prognosis for recovery depends on the form of the disease and the timeliness of therapy. Most often, a person manages to get rid of seizures, that is, to fully recover. In some cases, residual manifestations of symptoms in the form of memory lapses are noticeable.

In the absence of therapy, various consequences can develop.

Namely:

• violation of the functionality of the brain;
• failure of the kidneys and liver;
• mental problems;
• disorders of the central nervous system;
• deterioration of vision and hearing;
• pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• incontinence of urine and feces;
• diseases of the pancreas;
• swelling of the brain;
• memory loss;
• deterioration of the circulatory system;
• coma;
• lethal outcome (in 5 - 10% of cases) - the item includes suicide and severe disruption of the vital functions of organs incompatible with life.

A disease called delirium tremens occurs in people who abuse alcohol. And also an attack appears when using products with alcohol in the composition (drugs, cologne). Symptoms include mood swings, hallucinations, and seizures.

Most often, therapy is carried out in a hospital, then the doctor recommends treatment at home. With delirium tremens, consequences may appear (coma, memory loss, heart disease). This happens with untimely therapy. Therefore, calling a doctor is the most important action for suspected delirium tremens.

Video about delirium tremens

Symptoms, causes of delirium tremens: