ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal like tremors, seizures and delirium are commonly treated with benzodiazepines and vitamins. When complaints are not reacting to this treatment, an alternative diagnosis must be considered. Although hypomagnesemia is present in at least 30 percent of the patients with alcohol dependence, it can provoke and maintain these complaints. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a 43-year-old man with alcohol dependence, who shows neurological, muscular, and cardiac consequences of an undiagnosed hypomagnesemia. CONCLUSION: In daily clinical practice there is not enough attention for magnesium deficits, especially in patients with alcohol dependence. Serious complications can be prevented by recognizing and treating magnesium deficiency more adequately.
Subject(s)
Alcoholism , Magnesium Deficiency , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome , Male , Humans , Adult , Alcoholism/complications , Magnesium , Magnesium Deficiency/complications , Magnesium Deficiency/diagnosis , Electrolytes , Memory DisordersABSTRACT
The consumption of alcohol is an important part of social life in the Netherlands. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to harmful health effects and significant costs for society. The consumption of alcohol has decreased the last couple of years in the Netherlands due to governmental policies and more awareness on the harmful effects of alcohol. Unfortunately, there is still a social stigma on the abstinence of alcohol consumption, which can lead to sober shaming. In this article, we highlight the stigma that exists around alcohol abstinence, and the importance of awareness around this subject. Is it time for the #StopSoberShaming initiative in the Netherlands?
