Delirium tremens

Also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium, alcoholic delirium, mental and behavioral disorder due to use of alcohol: withdrawal state with delirium (disorder), the horrors, the shakes, the bottleache, quart mania, ork orks

rapid onset of confusion caused by alcohol withdrawal

Key facts

Other names: Alcohol-induced delirium
Specialty: Psychiatry , critical care medicine
Symptoms: Hallucinations , confusion , shaking , shivering , irregular heart rate , sweating
Complications: Very high body temperature , seizures
Usual onset: Rapid, 48-72 hours after last drink
Duration: 1–8 days
Causes: Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake in a state of alcohol dependence
Differential diagnosis: Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome , barbiturate withdrawal
Treatment: Intensive care unit , benzodiazepines , thiamine
Prognosis: Risk of death ~2% (treatment), 25% (no treatment)
Frequency: ~4% of those withdrawing from alcohol