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Delirium Tremens

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Delirium Tremens

(DTs)

Definition

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe problem with how the brain works.

Adult Brain.

The sudden withdrawal or decrease of alcohol can cause severe disturbances in the brain.

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Causes

People who drink large amounts of alcohol get DTs when they stop drinking. This can also happen when the intake is suddenly lowered.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of DTs are:

  • Drinking heavily or having a past problem with alcohol use disorder (AUD)
  • Prior DTs or other withdrawal problems
  • Having other health problems

Symptoms

Symptoms of DTs start within 3 to 7 days once drinking stops or the amount is lowered. Problems may be:

  • Tremors of the hands, head, or body
  • Agitation
  • Sweating
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sleeping problems
  • Seeing or hearing things that are not there

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms, past health, and alcohol use. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to make the diagnosis.

Other tests that may be done are:

  • Blood tests
  • EEG —to test brain activity
  • MRI scan —to check a head injury or if you had seizures
  • Lumbar puncture—to check the fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord

Treatment

DTs can be deadly. The goal of treatment is to:

  • Ease symptoms
  • Avoid health problems from DTs
  • Get treated for AUD

Treatment depends on how severe symptoms are. It may start in 12 to 24 hours, but it can take up to 7 days. Options are:

Prevention

The risk of this problem can be lowered by drinking alcohol in moderation.

Medicines

DTs may be treated with medicines used to ease:

  • Pain
  • Anxiety, withdrawal, and problems with thinking
  • Blood pressure and heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations or other mental problems

Medicines

DTs may be treated with medicines used to ease:

  • Pain
  • Anxiety, withdrawal, and problems with thinking
  • Blood pressure and heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations or other mental problems

Vitamins and Fluids

Lack of vitamins and dehydration are common with severe DTs. They can be treated with:

Rehabilitation

AUD may be treated in a hospital or at home. It may involve single or group therapy. Many people seek support by joining groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome.
  • Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, treatment, and timeline. American Addiction Centers website. Available at: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/alcohol.
  • Sachdeva A, Choudhary M, et al. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Benzodiazepines and Beyond. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Sep;9(9):VE01-VE07.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.