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veisalgia
from the Norwegian word kveis = 'uneasiness following debauchery' the Greek word algia = pain
Etiology:
- occurs after consumption & complete metabolism of alcohol
Epidemiology:
- occurs in 75% of individuals who drink to intoxication
Pathology:
1) occurs when blood alcohol levels are diminishing
2) tends to peak as blood alcohol levels approach 0
3) increased ADH & aldosterone levels
4) ADH levels directly related to severity of hangover
5) metabolic acidosis
6) no good evidence the acetaldehyde plays a role
Clinical manifestations:
1) headache
2) nausea
3) dizziness
4) xerostomia
5) malaise
6) fatigue
7) inattention (sustained attention is impaired) [2]
8) memory impairment [2]
- short-memory impairment
- long-term memory impairment
9) psychomotor slowing [2]
10) impairment of driving skills [2]
Management:
1) adequate hydration
2) NSAIDs may reduce headache
3) prickly pear cactus prophylactically may prevent some of the symptoms of hangover
General
toxicity; poisoning; overdose
References
- Prescriber's Letter 11(11):65 2004
Treatments for Alcohol Hangover
Detail-Document#: 201112
(subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
- Gunn C, Mackus M, Griffin C, Munafo MR, Adams S.
A systematic review of the next-day effects of heavy alcohol
consumption on cognitive performance.
Addiction 2018 Aug 25;
PMID: 30144191
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/add.14404