Acute Alcohol Intoxication Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
What is the pathophysiology of Alcohol Withdrawal
A
- Chronic use desensitises normal neuronal receptors
- Down regulation of GABA receptors and up regulation of NMDA receptors
- Sudden cessation of alcohol
- Over active NMDA receptors
- Inadequate inhibition from GABA
- Increased autonomic overactivity
- Increase catecholamines
- Tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, seizures, Delirium tremens
- Aspiration, Myocardial infarction, stroke, electrolyte imbalance
- Death
2
Q
In AWS when do tremors, anxiety, head, diaphoresis, palpitations and GI upset generally begin?
A
6-12 hours
3
Q
In AWS when do hallucinations generally begin?
A
12-24 hours
4
Q
In AWS when do seizures generally begin
A
24-48hours
5
Q
In AWS when does Delirium tremens generally begin?
A
48-72 hours
6
Q
What is Delirium tremens
A
Life threathening medical emergency in AWS characterised by Acute confusion, autonomic hyperactivity and hallucinations
7
Q
What is wernicke encephalopathy
A
Neurological disorder commonly seen in Alcoholics due to thiamine defficiency
8
Q
What is wernickes triad?
A
- Ocular abnormalities
- Ataxia
- Confusion
