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.
Delirium tremens causes
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The most common cause of delirium tremens is abrupt alcohol cessation in chronic alcohol abusers.
Causes
Causes
Common Causes
Common causes of delirium tremens may include:
Less Common Causes
Less common causes of delirium tremens include:
References
References
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.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Zehra Malik, M.B.B.S[2]