Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure.
10.17340/jkna.2017.35.3.1
- Author:
Kyoung HEO
1
;
Yang Je CHO
;
So Hee EUN
;
Sung Chul LIM
;
Jeehun LEE
;
Pamela SONG
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kheo@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome;
Alcohol withdrawal seizure;
Disease management;
Therapy
- MeSH:
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium;
Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures*;
Consensus;
Dihydroergotamine;
Disease Management;
Emergency Service, Hospital;
Humans;
Mortality;
Neurology;
Seizures
- From:Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
2017;35(3):121-128
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a common condition occurring after intentional or unintentional abrupt cessation of alcohol in an alcohol-dependent individual. AWS represents a major problem in our society and alcohol withdrawal seizure is the major cause of seizures encountered by neurology residents in the emergency department. Patients with AWS present with mild symptoms of tremulousness and agitation or more severe symptoms including withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. Particularly, severe AWS can produce significant rates of the morbidity (complications) and mortality. When diagnosed and managed insufficiently, the morbidity and mortality rates increase. Nevertheless, patients with AWS may be neglected and are often marginalized and the teaching about AWS to neurology residents is usually minimal. Also, attending neurologists are often poorly informed on the topic. Although there is insufficient consensus about the optimal investigation and management, the purpose of this review is to serve as a summary of the appropriate identification and management of this important condition in a neurological setting.
