Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Pathogenesis:
Sudden decrease or abrupt stoppage of alcohol in a dependent individual
Symptoms:
Anxiety, tremors, palpitations vomiting.
May progress to severe symptoms including hallucinations, delirium tremens and seizures
Treatment:
Sedative hypnotics are the mainstay of treatment
Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide or diazepam
In non-responders, propofol or barbiturates can be added
