$Unique_ID{BRK01243}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Can a Seizure Develop in an Alcoholic While They Are Actually
Drinking?}
$Subject{alcohol withdrawal shakes}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can a Seizure Develop in an Alcoholic While They Are Actually Drinking?


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QUESTION:  Can a seizure by a chronic alcoholic develop while they are
actually drinking?  We are faced with an emergency room diagnosis that claims
this is so but always thought that the shakes were prevented by drinking in
the alcoholic.  Could you please explain?

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ANSWER:  It's an unfortunate truth that an alcoholic can become accustomed to
very high levels of alcohol.  Withdrawal sets in when the alcoholic gets less
to drink than their usual intake.  Symptoms of alcoholic withdrawal are
seizures, hallucinations, elevated temperature, agitation, impaired
coordination, and/or tachycardia (racing heartbeat).  The "shakes" we call
"Delirium Tremens" (DTs) usually begin within 24 to 48 hours of lessened
alcohol intake and usually subside within 72 hours.
     Pity the poor emergency room physician who receives a patient in alcohol
withdrawal!  He has a great deal of sleuthing to do.  He must rule out head
injury, epilepsy, hypoglycemia, psychiatric disorders and intoxication, all of
which can mimic some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.  In the hospital,
the withdrawing alcoholic can expect to be given intravenous glucose,
acetaminophen if temperature is elevated, a sedative or tranquilizer if
agitation is acute, and a blood alcohol test.  Later, the doctor may
administer thiamine and folic acid, since these are often deficient in chronic
drinkers.
     This emergency medicine is also preventive medicine.  The idea is to head
off the potentially fatal DTs.  I can give you no better reason for getting
the withdrawing alcoholic to a hospital right away.  Remember:  Alcoholism is
a disease, and the people who suffer it have the right to the best medical
care we can give them.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
