Alcoholic coma is due to heavy alcohol consumption and requires rapid treatment. Update on the symptoms and the attitude to adopt when faced with the occurrence of this emergency with Dr. Patrick Aubé, general practitioner.
What is an alcoholic coma?
Alcoholic coma, sometimes called acute alcohol poisoningis defined by a loss of consciousness associated with excessive alcohol consumption, usually over a short period: the faster alcohol is absorbed, the greater the risk of alcoholic coma. the alcohol use level leading to alcoholic coma varies according to several parameters such as weight, amount of body fat, diet; alcohol addiction and drinking rate.
How many grams of alcohol?
The alcoholic coma usually occurs between 2 and 4 grams of alcohol per liter of blood. In the absence of treatment, the main risks associated with alcoholic coma are suffocation (by the tongue or vomiting) and hypothermia, both of which can lead to death. “However, you should know that it is not the number of grams of alcohol that is in question, it is the depth of the unconsciousness that counts and the vulnerability of the individual”, notes Dr. Patrick Aubé, general practitioner. It’s about a medical emergency who life-threatening of the subject and which may lead to sequelae.
Are there neurological sequelae after an alcoholic coma?
- Ischemic stroke by thromboembolism of cardiac origin on arrhythmias related to alcoholic cardiomyopathy
- post-anoxic memory impairment
- neuromuscular damage by prolonged compression related to the position of the body on hard ground
Can an alcoholic coma be fatal?
- by hypothermia if the coma takes place in a place with low temperature
- by drowning if dropped in water
- by accident, fall with head trauma
- by acute respiratory disorder: asphyxia by position of the tongue or vomiting.
Alcoholic coma also carries risks of muscle damage.
What are the symptoms of alcoholic coma?
The main manifestation of an alcoholic coma is loss of consciousness, more or less profound. Signs of alcoholic coma, excluding loss of consciousness, are irregular breathing, inability to move, loss of muscle tone (muscle hypotonia), drop in blood pressure and body temperature, and cold, clammy skin.
Duration of an alcoholic coma
“The duration of an alcoholic coma is dependent on the height of the acute intoxication and the vulnerability of the individual”, explains the general practitioner. This can therefore take several hours.
What to do in case of alcoholic coma?
“In any case, in front of all unconscious people, you must call 15 so that she can be hospitalized as quickly as possible”, warns Dr. Patrick Aubé.
- While waiting for her care, it is recommended to lay her on her side in a lateral safety position, check her pulse and breathing, and cover her to prevent a drop in her temperature.
- In the hospital, care includes resuscitation, protection of the respiratory tract, gasometry and a blood test.
- In general, the return home is envisaged 3 to 6 hours after the last ingestion of alcohol.
Advice and prevention of alcoholic coma
“It is advisable to protect oneself from this serious neurological accident that is alcoholic coma by avoiding alcohol abuse, in particular over limited periods, by eating, and by promoting the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages”, says the general practitioner. It is also necessary to demonstrate vigilance with drinks containing alcoholic mixtures and fruit juices or sodas, which mask the taste of alcohol.
Thanks to Dr Patrick Aubé, general practitioner.