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Delirium tremens - Overview

Nombres alternativos

DT; Delirium tremens por abstinencia alcohólica

Definición:

Es una forma grave de la abstinencia alcohólica que involucra cambios del sistema nervioso o mentales repentinos e intensos.

Causas:

El delirium tremens puede ocurrir cuando usted deja de beber después de un período de consumo excesivo de alcohol, especialmente si no ingiere suficiente alimento.

El delirium tremens también puede ser causado por un traumatismo craneal, infección o enfermedad en personas con antecedentes de alto consumo de alcohol.

Es más común en las personas que tienen antecedentes de abstinencia alcohólica, en especial en personas cuyo consumo es equivalente a 1.8 a 2.3 litros (4 -5 pintas) de vino o 3 1/2 a 4 litros (7 u 8 pintas) de cerveza (o medio litro de licor "fuerte") todos los días, durante varios meses. El delirium tremens también afecta frecuentemente a aquellas personas que han tenido el hábito del alcohol o alcoholismo durante más de 10 años.

  • Reviewed last on: 3/20/2011
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

O'Connor PG. Alcohol abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 31.

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