What is Delirium Tremens - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Explained

Alcohol consumption changes the inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms of one’s body. Consequently, a person feels sedated or less anxious after consuming alcohol. Nevertheless, binge drinking for a long time can result in various withdrawal symptoms once the person decides to quit drinking. Delirium tremens is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. 

Continue reading this article to know more about DTs!

Delirium tremens (DT), also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium, is a serious alcohol withdrawal. It involves severe and sudden nervous and mental system changes. The symptoms usually start about two to three days after quitting a long binge drinking habit. DTs normally last for two to three days; however, the symptoms linger for a week.

Delirium tremens cause changes in body temperature, blood circulation or breathing. The common symptoms of delirium tremens includes –

• Tremors or shaking feet and hands
• Chest pain
• Deep sleep that lasts for one day or longer
• Confusion
• Dehydration
• Anger or excitability
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Heavy sweating
• Hypertension
• Vomiting or nausea
• Nightmares
• Muscle tremors
• Pale skin
• Passing out
• Problems in the movement and muscle of the eyes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures
• Sensitivity to sound, touch and light
• Severe hyperactivity
• Sleepiness, fatigue or stupor 

Furthermore, it can lead to life-threatening conditions like irregular heartbeat, sepsis, trouble breathing, electrolyte imbalance or seizures.

Alcohol is a type of depressant, and it slows down your nervous system and brain. When an individual suddenly stops drinking after drinking for an extended period, the brain and nervous system cannot adjust quickly. Consequently, the brain becomes overstimulated. This is the main cause of delirium tremens.

DTs are most common among –

• Adult men, particularly younger, white and unmarried men
• Individuals with a history of seizures
• Individuals who have had alcohol withdrawal in the past
• Long-term and heavy drinkers

Note: For females, eight or more drinks in a week is considered "heavy drinking". On the other hand, heavy drinking for men means fifteen drinks in a week.

A doctor will generally start by knowing the medical history of a patient and proceed with the diagnosis with a physical examination. Some of the tests that a doctor may recommend during the diagnosis process are –

• Blood magnesium level test
• Blood potassium level test
• Electroencephalogram test 
• Lumbar puncture test
• Metabolic test
• MRI
• Toxicology screening 

A medical professional might check the patient's heart, digestive system, liver and nerves in the feet to figure out the alcohol level in the body.

The treatment for delirium tremens starts at the hospital. The most common medications for DTs and alcohol withdrawal are Benzodiazepines. These medications help calm down the excited nervous system. An individual may also require intravenous fluids with minerals and vitamins in order to bring back the electrolyte balance or treat dehydration. 

Furthermore, several other drugs are used at a hospital to treat acute symptoms of DTs. These include –

• Antipsychotic drugs
• Anticonvulsants
• Blood pressure medicines
• Drugs for heartbeat regulation
• Pain medications

The best preventive measure to avoid DTs is to avoid or reduce alcohol consumption. Men should restrict their alcohol consumption to two drinks a day. Similarly, women should avoid drinking more than one drink in a day. In case you face any signs of alcohol withdrawal, make sure to get proper medication and treatment.

Individuals, who have an alcohol dependency, feel sick, unhappy and lonely once they quit drinking.  A healthy diet and lifestyle will help you reduce withdrawal symptoms. Keep in mind that prolonged addiction is scarier than withdrawal.