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What symptoms can occur during delirium tremens?

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alcohol consumption Patrons in a beer garden during Oktoberfest, an annual festival held in Munich, Germany.

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of delirium that can occur during alcohol withdrawal, typically developing after 36 hours of cessation. It is a medical emergency often complicated by exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition.12

Symptoms of delirium tremens include:

Physical Tremors: A gross, whole-body trembling.12
Cognitive Impairment: Frank delirium, disorientation, and mental clouding.12
Sensory Disturbances: Hallucinations, which may be visual or auditory.12
Systemic Symptoms: Fever and, in some cases, seizures.12

This condition typically lasts between 3 and 10 days. Because the death rate for untreated delirium tremens can reach up to 20 percent, it is critical to seek professional medical care for anyone experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.12

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