How to cure tongue twists and shivering in an alcoholic?

Question

Hi doctor,

My father is an alcoholic. He has not been eating for the last 15 days. He is now suffering from insomnia. He sees abnormal things like people standing near to him. He has lost weight. He is having heavy sweat at night on the forehead. His tongue twists, and he has shivering hands. His height is 5.8 ft, and his weight is 137 lbs.

What is the problem with him now?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sorry for your father's condition. Your father is suffering from Wernicke's encephalopathy or Korsakoff syndrome. Chronic alcohol abuse leads to deficiency of vitamin thiamine. I would suggest you take him to the ER (emergency room) and have him admitted and monitored for detoxification and thiamine injection. The primary objective is to replenish vitamin B1 (thiamine) storage until he resumes a normal diet. Alcohol addiction requires a multiple approach. If I were your doctor, then I would like to treat you in the following manner.

Assessment of alcohol addiction by using the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) scale. Motivational interviewing and counseling. Treatment of medical complications and detoxification of alcohol to prevent withdrawal. Rehabilitation and counseling for total abstinence. Indoor treatment is a must to remain abstinent from alcohol in the withdrawal stage.

I hope this helps.