In this paper, we describe experiments designed to validate some techniques used for spatial normalisation of diffusion tensor (DT) images. In particular, we have previously described the problems involved in applying transformations to these images and proposed several techniques for addressing this problem. DTs contain orientational information, which must be handled appropriately when a DT i...

AIMS The study aimed at comparing the fixed tapering dose and the symptom-triggered regimens of lorazepam for alcohol detoxification. METHODS We carried out a prospective, randomized, double blind controlled trial involving 63 consecutive consenting male patients admitted with diagnosis of uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal. The patients were randomized into two groups based on the type of lora...

CONTEXT Excessive alcohol consumption is the nation's third leading cause of preventable deaths. If untreated, 6% of alcohol-dependent patients experience alcohol withdrawal, with up to 10% of those experiencing delirium tremens (DT), when they stop drinking. Without routine screening, patients often experience DT without warning. OBJECTIVE Reduce the incidence of alcohol withdrawal advancing...

complaining of want of sleep ; although fidgetty and nervous, he is nearly free from hallucinations. Ordered a calomel purge, quinine gr. 12, every 4th hour, and 15 tinct. opii. with camphor mixture every 5th hour until sleep is procured. On the night of the 9th he slept at short intervals and has not been violent. On the lltli he has on the whole improved. The calomel purge was repeated. On th...

been recognised as a mental disorder with serious adverse outcomes for thousands of years. Consistent descriptions of the condition have appeared in the medical literature from the time of Hippocrates. It is even described frequently in fictional literature, epitomising serious illness and often portending death. Despite this long history, delirium has been relatively neglected in healthcare se...

Abrupt cessation of regular use of alcohol in a dependent person causes a withdrawal syndrome that may range from mild to extremely severe. Most patients require pharmacologic intervention, especially those with severe symptoms. Historically, the pharmacotherapy of alcohol withdrawal has involved a wide variety of agents. Benzodiazepines are currently preferred due to their consistently high de...

Objective. To identify the underlying factor structure of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, as measured with CIWA-Ar. Methods. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the items of CIWA-Ar. On 201 alcohol-dependent male patients seeking treatment for alcohol withdrawal at 36 hours of abstinence. Results. A three-factor solution was obtained that accounted for 68.74% of total variance. First fact...

BACKGROUND Alcohol dependence is a chronic relapsing illness. While some patients respond to treatment, others continue to drink alcohol and suffer serious health effects such as delirium tremens, liver failure, heart disease, and central nervous effects. One option society has used to force treatment and abstinence is the legal mechanism of "involuntary commitment." The goal of this study was ...

A 57-year-old woman presented with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which later progressed to delirium tremens. During hospitalization, she developed respiratory distress with acute pulmonary edema. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed diffuse ST elevation with elevated cardiac enzymes. Echocardiogram showed estimated ejection fraction of 20-25% with characteristic apical ballooning. After several days o...

Delirium is a change in mental status characterized by a reduced awareness of the environment and a disturbance in attention. Pathogenesis: The underlying mechanisms contributing to delirium are poorly understood. Risk factors for delirium The following are risk factors which are associated with an increased risk of delirium: Age ≥65 years. Male sex. Pre-existing cognitive deficit, e.g. dementi...