Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Alcohol withdrawal natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
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Overview
Overview
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually resolve within seven days of alcohol intake discontinuation. Most patients with alcohol withdrawal have mild symptoms and may be treated with outpatient management. 5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal will present with severe alcohol withdrawal characteristics including seizures and delirium tremens (DT). 5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens (DT) die from various complications.
Natural History
Natural History
Complications
Complications
5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens (DT) die from complications such as:[3][4]
Prognosis
Prognosis
- Alcohol withdrawal is rare in patients <30 years old, and the severity increases with more age.[5]
- Most patients with alcohol withdrawal have mild symptoms and may be treated with outpatient management.[2]
- 5% of patients with alcohol withdrawal will present with severe alcohol withdrawal characteristics including:[2]
References
References
- ↑ Muncie HL, Yasinian Y, Oge’ L (2013). “Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome”. Am Fam Physician. 88 (9): 589–95. PMID 24364635.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Schuckit MA (2014). “Recognition and management of withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens)”. N Engl J Med. 371 (22): 2109–13. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1407298. PMID 25427113.
- ↑ VICTOR M, ADAMS RD (1953). “The effect of alcohol on the nervous system”. Res Publ Assoc Res Nerv Ment Dis. 32: 526–73. PMID 13134661.
- ↑ Cutshall BJ (1965). “The Saunderssutton syndrome: an analysis of delirium tremens”. Q J Stud Alcohol. 26 (3): 423–48. PMID 5858249.
- ↑ Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association. 2013. ISBN 0890425558.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shakiba Hassanzadeh, MD[2] Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [3]