Acute Alcohol Poisoning: Symptoms and Aftercare

Acute alcohol intoxication?

Hello Dr.
Liao, my family member recently consumed a large amount of sorghum liquor during a work event.
That night, after I dropped him off, I had just parked the car when I noticed he was lying on the ground with his eyes wide open and unresponsive, with no detectable breathing or heartbeat.
In a panic, I rushed to the first floor (the garage is on the basement level) to call an ambulance, and when I returned to the garage, he had regained consciousness and was staggering towards me.
This all happened within a few minutes.
When the ambulance arrived, they measured his blood pressure and found it to be low.
However, he insisted on not going to the hospital.
That night, I had to monitor his breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
He vomited once, expelling a significant amount of alcohol, and after drinking water to help metabolize it, he was in and out of sleep.
By the next day, he seemed fine.
He believes he understands his own health condition and insists on not seeing a doctor, thinking that the fainting episode was just a result of intoxication and that everything would be fine once the alcohol wore off.
However, I am quite concerned about the episode where he was unresponsive with his eyes open.
After researching online, I can only speculate that it might have been due to acute alcohol poisoning and postural hypotension upon exiting the vehicle (but why were his eyes open?).
I would like to ask the doctor about the possible causes of this type of fainting with eyes open and what precautions should be taken afterward.
Thank you! Note: At the time of fainting, he likely hit the back of his head on the ground, but it has been three days since the incident, and he appears to be functioning normally.

mytsai, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/25

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to elevated levels of alcohol in the body, resulting in related physiological responses.
Alcohol and its metabolites can inhibit neurological functions, causing slowed reactions and even coma, with potential fatal risks.
Regarding whether the individual has other underlying brain issues, it is advisable to seek evaluation from a neurologist if necessary.
Generally, the acute observation period for head trauma is approximately 72 hours, but it is still recommended to monitor for any other changes.
Please note that online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2018/06/25

More Info

Acute alcohol poisoning is a serious medical condition that arises from the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period. It can lead to a range of symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening. In the scenario you described, your family member exhibited signs of acute alcohol poisoning, including loss of consciousness and low blood pressure. Understanding the symptoms and aftercare for acute alcohol poisoning is crucial for ensuring safety and recovery.

Symptoms of Acute Alcohol Poisoning
1. Loss of Consciousness: As you observed, your family member lost consciousness and was unresponsive. This is a critical sign of severe intoxication and can indicate a risk of respiratory failure.

2. Respiratory Depression: Alcohol can depress the central nervous system, leading to slowed or irregular breathing. In severe cases, this can result in respiratory arrest.

3. Hypotension: Low blood pressure, as noted in your family member, can occur due to the vasodilatory effects of alcohol, which can lead to fainting or dizziness upon standing.

4. Vomiting: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, which can lead to vomiting. This is particularly dangerous if the person is unconscious, as there is a risk of aspiration.

5. Confusion or Altered Mental State: Symptoms can include confusion, stupor, or even coma, as the brain's ability to function is impaired.

6. Seizures: In some cases, acute alcohol poisoning can lead to seizures, particularly if the individual has a history of alcohol use or withdrawal.

Aftercare and Monitoring
After an episode of acute alcohol poisoning, it is essential to monitor the individual closely. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Hydration: Encourage the individual to drink water to help flush out the alcohol from their system. However, be cautious if they are still experiencing nausea or vomiting.

2. Rest: Allow the person to rest in a safe environment. Continuous monitoring is necessary, especially during the first few hours after the incident.

3. Positioning: If the person is unconscious or semi-conscious, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking in case of vomiting.

4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the person seems to recover, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can worsen, and complications can arise, such as aspiration pneumonia or brain damage due to hypoxia.

5. Observation for Symptoms: Keep an eye out for any recurring symptoms, such as confusion, difficulty breathing, or seizures. If any of these occur, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Potential Causes of the Symptoms
In your family member's case, the "two eyes wide open" state could be attributed to several factors:
- Severe Intoxication: The eyes may remain open due to the level of intoxication affecting the brain's ability to respond normally. This can happen in cases of severe alcohol poisoning.

- Postural Hypotension: Upon exiting the vehicle, the sudden change in position could have contributed to a drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting. The eyes being open during this episode could be a result of the brain's response to the sudden drop in blood flow.

- Neurological Response: The brain may exhibit unusual responses during acute intoxication, leading to a state where the eyes are open but the individual is unresponsive.

Conclusion
Acute alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. While your family member may have appeared to recover, the potential for delayed complications exists. It is crucial to educate individuals about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and the importance of seeking medical help when experiencing severe symptoms. If any concerning symptoms arise in the future, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional for guidance.

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