Clinical syndrome caused by the consumption of alcoholic beverages (ethanol) abruptly and in high quantities > 0.5g/L.
It is caused by massive ingestion of ethanol in excess of individual tolerance.
Clinical manifestations will depend on individual consumption and tolerance, and may include disinhibition, impulsive behaviour, loss of ability to coordinate movements, imbalance and falls, irritability, agitation, drowsiness, headache, difficulty in speaking and walking, double vision, nausea and vomiting, incoherent speech, markedly decreased level of consciousness (drowsiness and coma) and muscle tone, sphincter incontinence, respiratory distress, cardiovascular shock, inhibition of the respiratory centre, cardiorespiratory arrest and death.
Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and physical examination.
Supportive treatment should be provided in a calm and relaxed environment, using benzodiazepines if agitation is present and monitoring the level of consciousness closely. Good hydration is important and even, in chronic consumption, vitamin B1 should be administered.
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