Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that
involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes. DT's;
Alcohol withdrawal - delirium tremens Causes, incidence, and
risk factors 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 alcohol use. It is
most common in people who have a history of alcohol withdrawal.
It is especially common in those who drink the equivalent of 4 -
5 pints of wine or 7 - 8 pints of beer (or 1 pint of "hard"
alcohol) every day for several months. Delirium tremens also
commonly affects those who have had a history of habitual
alcohol use or alcoholism for more than 10 years. Symptoms most
commonly occur within 72 hours after the last drink, but may
occur up to 7 - 10 days after the last drink. Symptoms may get
worse rapidly, and can include: - Body tremors - Mental status
changes - Agitation, irrita