About this episode
This episode discusses the diagnosis and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in emergency department patients.
In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD discuss the November 2025 Emergency Medicine Practice article, Diagnosis and Management of Emergency Department Patients With Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Epidemiology & Background Rising ED visits related to alcohol use. Mortality rates and spectrum of patient presentations. Importance of high suspicion and complexity of cases. Pathophysiology & Mechanisms Alcohol metabolism and neurochemical changes. Differential diagnosis: Conditions that mimic alcohol withdrawal. Prehospital & EMS Considerations Role of EMS in triage and initial management. Use of sobering centers vs. ED transport. Prehospital administration of benzodiazepines (IM midazolam). History & Risk Assessment Key questions to assess risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Importance of patient history, medication use, and comorbidities. Discussion on patient honesty and rapport. Physical Exam & Scoring Systems DSM-5 criteria for alcohol withdrawal. Use of CIWA-AR, BAWS, and PAWSS scoring systems. Importance of objective measurement for monitoring and disposition. Complications & Special Presentations Complicated alcohol withdrawal: Hallucinosis…
People in this episode
Guests: Sam Ashoo, MD, T.R. Eckler, MD
Topics covered
- alcohol withdrawal
- emergency medicine
- patient management
- diagnosis
- treatment strategies
Keywords
- alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- emergency department
- benzodiazepines
- CIWA-AR
- delirium tremens
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Emergency Medicine Practice
Books & works: Diagnosis and Management of Emergency Department Patients With Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
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