Diagnosis
To diagnose delirium tremens, the doctor might need to review the medical history, check for typical symptoms, and have a physical exam. Based on the initial assessment, he or she might need to do a toxicology screen. This test can measure the amount of alcohol in the body. It can be performed with a urine or blood sample. Some other tests can evaluate the severity or dependency on alcohol. These include:
– Blood phosphate level: Low results might suggest alcoholism
– Blood magnesium level: Low results might suggest severe symptoms
– ECG: Look for abnormalities in your heart’s electrical activity, which can be affected by delirium tremens
– Comprehensive metabolic panel: Abnormal results can suggest alcoholism [7]
