Delirium tremens causes

Delirium Tremens Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Delirium Tremens from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Delirium tremens causes On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Delirium tremens causes All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Delirium tremens causes
CDC on Delirium tremens causes
Delirium tremens causes in the news
Blogs on Delirium tremens causes
Directions to Hospitals Treating Delirium tremens
Risk calculators and risk factors for Delirium tremens causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Zehra Malik, M.B.B.S[2]

Overview

The most common cause of delirium tremens is abrupt alcohol cessation in chronic alcohol abusers.

Causes

Common Causes

Common causes of delirium tremens may include:

• Alcohol withdrawal

Less Common Causes

Less common causes of delirium tremens include:

• Benzodiazepine withdrawal
• Barbiturate withdrawal

References

Template:WH Template:WS Causes of delirium tremens include

Delirium tremens can occur after a period of heavy alcohol drinking, especially when the person does not eat enough food. It may also be triggered by head injury, infection, or illness in people with a history of heavy use of alcohol.

It is most common in people who have a history of alcohol withdrawal, especially in those who drink the equivalent of 7 - 8 pints of beer (or 1 pint of "hard" alcohol) every day for several months. Delirium tremens also commonly affects those with a history of habitual alcohol use or alcoholism that has existed for more than 10 years.