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Review
. 2017 Jan;135(1):4-16.
doi: 10.1111/ane.12671. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management

S Jesse  1 , G Bråthen  2   3 , M Ferrara  4 , M Keindl  5 , E Ben-Menachem  6 , R Tanasescu  7   8 , E Brodtkorb  2   3 , M Hillbom  9 , M A Leone  4 , A C Ludolph  1
Affiliations
Review

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management

S Jesse et al. Acta Neurol Scand. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

The alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a well-known condition occurring after intentional or unintentional abrupt cessation of heavy/constant drinking in patients suffering from alcohol use disorders (AUDs). AUDs are common in neurological departments with patients admitted for coma, epileptic seizures, dementia, polyneuropathy, and gait disturbances. Nonetheless, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed until dramatic symptoms occur. The purpose of this review is to increase the awareness of the early clinical manifestations of AWS and the appropriate identification and management of this important condition in a neurological setting.

Keywords: alcohol withdrawal; clinical management; delirium tremens; epileptic seizures; therapy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chronological development of the various symptoms of AWS
Figure 2
Figure 2
Clinical workflow of diagnosis and therapy of AWS
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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MeSH terms

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