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| Image Credit: Dr. Wanner |
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Authors: Gregory Wanner, DO
Emergency Physician/Clinical Faculty
Christiana Care Health System
@gregwanner
Paul Kolecki, MD
Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine
Medical Toxicologist
Thomas Jefferson University
An 18-year-old male presents to the emergency department (ED) stating, “Doc, I’m really drunk.” He and a friend were drinking in the friend’s garage. The patient drank one “very strong” sweet-smelling drink, which was prepared by his friend. He began to feel sick and nauseated and rode his bike home (with difficulty due to this intoxication, but without any falls or trauma). He vomited twice and his mother referred him to the ED. Attempts to contact the friend were unsuccessful.
How would you evaluate this patient?
Several intoxicants can cause similar symptoms. While ethanol is the most likely cause, in patients with unclear ingestions other alcohols should be considered as well. The following is a brief summary of the alcohols often tested on in-service and board exams; a summary table is included at the end:
