7, 8 The local distribution of these subunits explains why the cerebellum, cortical areas, thalamic relay circuitry, and brainstem are the main networks that mediate the intoxicating effects of alcohol. The purpose of this review is to increase the awareness of the early clinical manifestations of AWS and the appropriate identification and management of this important condition in a neurological setting.Įthanol is a central nervous system depressant that produces euphoria and behavioral excitation at low blood concentrations due to increased glutamate binding to N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors at higher concentrations, it leads to acute intoxication by potentiation of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) effects, 7 particularly in receptors with delta subunits. Nonetheless, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed until dramatic symptoms occur. 6ĪUDs are common in patients referred to neurological departments, admitted for coma, epileptic seizures, dementia, polyneuropathy, and gait disturbances. However, with early detection and appropriate treatment, the expected mortality is in the range of 1% or less. 4, 5 Delirious patients show high rates of comorbidities, and their mortality rate is comparable to patients having severe malignant diseases. A complicated AWS includes epileptic seizures and/or delirium tremens (DT), the occurrence of which may be as high as 15% in AUD patients. 3 Severe AWS more than doubles the length of stay and frequently requires treatment at the ICU. 2 Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a well‐known condition occurring after intentional or unintentional abrupt cessation of heavy/constant drinking, and it occurs in about 8% of hospitalized AUD inpatients. 1 It is estimated that up to 42% of patients admitted to general hospitals, and one‐third of patients admitted to hospital intensive care units (ICU) have AUD. 1. Introduction ‐ Medical Burden of Alcohol AbuseĪn estimated 76.3 million people worldwide have alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and these account for 1.8 million deaths each year.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |