Contents
Alcoholic delirium (delirious tremens or squirrel) is a severe mental disorder that occurs against the background of refusal to drink alcohol. The condition is characterized by confusion, delirium, auditory and tactile hallucinations. The disease leads to severe health problems and in some cases even death. Of particular danger is the fact that in an attack of acute psychosis a person is able to harm himself and others.
Symptoms of delirium tremens
Despite the severity of the disease, the so-called “squirrel” is the subject of many jokes and anecdotes. There is a misconception that delirium tremens occurs during severe intoxication, but this is far from the case. A delusional or inadequate state in a drunk but healthy person passes the next day without any mental disorders.
Delirium tremens is a disease of people suffering from alcoholism II and III degree with constant alcohol consumption for several years. In most cases, the condition occurs against the background of withdrawal syndrome, from the second to the fourth day after a person has completely given up alcohol.
In the early stages, the disease is characterized by nervousness, anxiety and irritability. Sleep disturbances and nightmares are common. The patient is haunted by inexplicable fears, the expectation of impending troubles. From the physiological side, hand trembling, fever, tachycardia, high blood pressure are characteristic. This state lasts up to three days.
In the absence of proper treatment, the disease worsens. Hallucinations begin. The nature of visions is individual, a person hears voices, observes mythical creatures, tries to fight off non-existent insects. During this period, the state gradually becomes inadequate, excitement turns into apathy, and anxiety can be replaced by causeless fun.
In the future, alcoholic delirium may pass by itself, the first sign of recovery is a restful sleep. In severe cases, confusion progresses, the patient does not see the difference between sleep and wakefulness. The body temperature rises to critical, the body quickly loses water, leukocytosis develops. In this state, the patient may die of heart failure caused by shock, or, in an inadequate state, commit suicide.
Causes of delirium tremens
The cause of an attack of alcoholic delirium is a sharp exit from hard drinking. During long-term use of alcoholic beverages, ethanol breakdown products begin to take part in metabolism. At the same time, the level of intoxication of the body increases, the functions of internal organs are disturbed.
After the abolition of alcohol, a state akin to drug withdrawal occurs. The body does not have time to rebuild and reacts to the absence of the usual doses of ethanol with metabolic disorders in the brain. As a result, the central nervous system ceases to function normally, which manifests itself in neuropsychiatric disorders.
The disease is promoted by:
- previous traumatic brain injury;
- diseases of the central nervous system;
- previous bouts of delirium tremens.
In some cases, the disease can develop in people who do not suffer from alcoholism, after taking surrogate alcohol or against the background of stressful conditions.
Possible consequences of delirium tremens
The prognosis depends on the timely treatment started, as well as the severity and form of the disease. With the help of physicians, in most cases, the patient can be brought out of this state; without therapy, the disease can be fatal.
Consequences of delirium tremens:
- weakening of memory;
- mental decline;
- loss of concentration;
- fatigue;
- mood instability.
In some cases, diseases of the internal organs develop: pneumonia, pancreatitis, anemia, the treatment of which is difficult due to severe intoxication of the body.
First aid for delirium tremens
In a fit of delirium tremens, a person is not able to adequately evaluate his actions. Surrounding people need to urgently call an ambulance and start providing first aid.
Actions before the arrival of the medical team:
- Put the patient to bed.
- If necessary, fix by tying hands and feet.
- Give plenty of fluids to prevent further dehydration.
- Apply a cold compress to the head.
Treatment of delirium tremens is carried out in a hospital. Droppers are placed with drugs that remove the decay products of alcohol from the body. Medications are prescribed to stabilize the mental state, restore metabolic processes, normalize cardiac and respiratory activity.
The first signs of improvement occur 2-8 days after the start of therapy. As a rule, the total duration of treatment is determined individually and depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. Long-term remission is possible only with a complete rejection of alcohol in the future.
Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.