How Do You Spell DELIRIUM TREMENS?

Pronunciation: [dɪlˈɪɹi͡əm tɹˈɛmɛnz] (IPA)

Delirium tremens is a medical condition characterized by confusion, trembling, and hallucinations caused by alcohol withdrawal. The phonetic spelling of this word is dɪˈlɪriəm ˈtrimənz. The first syllable, "dɪ," is pronounced as "di" and the second syllable, "lɪ," is pronounced as "li." The third syllable, "riəm," is pronounced as "reem," and the fourth syllable, "tr," is pronounced as "tr." The fifth syllable, "i," is pronounced as a short "i" and the final syllable, "mənz," is pronounced as "muhnz."

DELIRIUM TREMENS Meaning and Definition

1. Delirium tremens (DTs) is a medical condition characterized by severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms that can occur due to alcohol withdrawal. It is a form of acute delirium and represents a severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. DTs typically arise in individuals with a history of chronic alcohol abuse who abruptly stop or significantly reduce their alcohol consumption.

   The symptoms of delirium tremens usually begin within 48-72 hours after the cessation of drinking or a major reduction in alcohol intake. These symptoms may include extreme agitation, disorientation, hallucinations (often visual or tactile), intense anxiety, tremors, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, profuse sweating, and fever in some cases. In severe cases, individuals may also experience seizures, irregular breathing, and formication (a sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin).

   Delirium tremens is considered a medical emergency as it can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthermia, and even death if not promptly treated. Treatment primarily involves providing a supportive and controlled environment, administering medications to manage symptoms and prevent seizures, and addressing any underlying medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to help alleviate symptoms and promote sedation.

   Given its potentially fatal nature, individuals experiencing or at risk of delirium tremens should seek immediate medical attention. Prompt intervention significantly improves the prognosis and reduces the risks associated with this condition.

2. A form of acute insanity due to alcoholic poisoning, marked by sweating, tremor, atonic dyspepsia, restlessness, anxiety, precordial distress, mental confusion, and hallucinations.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A temporary insanity or madness accompanied with a tremulous condition of the body or limbs, generally caused by habitual drunkenness.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DELIRIUM TREMENS

• selirium tremens
• xelirium tremens
• celirium tremens
• felirium tremens
• relirium tremens
• eelirium tremens
• dwlirium tremens
• dslirium tremens
• ddlirium tremens
• drlirium tremens
• d4lirium tremens
• d3lirium tremens
• dekirium tremens
• depirium tremens
• deoirium tremens
• delurium tremens
• deljrium tremens
• delkrium tremens
• delorium tremens

Etymology of DELIRIUM TREMENS

The term "delirium tremens" comes from Latin and can be broken down as follows:

1. "Delirium": It is derived from the Latin verb "delirare", meaning "to go off the furrow", with "de" meaning "away" and "lira" meaning "furrow". In the medical context, "delirium" refers to an acute state of confusion and disruption of mental function.

2. "Tremens": It is derived from the Latin verb "tremere", meaning "to tremble". "Tremens" is the present participle form of the verb, indicating a state of trembling or shaking.

Thus, "delirium tremens" literally translates to "trembling delirium" or "delirium accompanied by trembling".