Abstract

The nature of many of the symptoms associated with substance and alcohol use means that patients often present to neurologists. The frequently catastrophic consequences of overlooking these patients makes this an important cause to identify. Here I will discuss various acute and non-acute substance misuse associated presentations, with particular emphasis on the neurology. As neurological sequelae are particularly common in alcohol use, there will be an emphasis on this drug while other substances are included when relevant, extending to the recently notorious 'legal highs'. I hope this review will increase vigilance to the possibility of substance use disorder, and persuade neurologists that they have a role in the detection and treatment of these conditions.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Welch KA

Institution

Robert Fergusson Unit, Astley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange Loan, Midlothian EH9 2HL, UK. killian.welch@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Source

Practical neurology 11:4 2011 Aug pg 206-19

MeSH

Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
Alcoholic Intoxication
Alcoholism
Cognition Disorders
Humans
Korsakoff Syndrome
Nervous System Diseases
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
Psychoses, Substance-Induced
Seizures
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
Substance-Related Disorders

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

21746706