Diagnosis of Intermediate Stage of Alcoholic Brain Disease

Between the acute, reversible forms of alcoholic brain disease and the chronic, irreversible forms exemplified in cortical atrophy, there is an intermediate group of forms in which severe disturbances of the personality are present, but permanent organic deterioration can still be prevented. This belief, based on clinical impressions, is strengthened by electroencephalographic studies in 227 patients. Of these, 81 were classified as intermediate by clinical criteria, and 64 of the 81 had abnormal electroencephalograms which reverted slowly to normal. Five case histories illustrate the type of personality change encountered, the difficulty of management, and the need of resolute treatment if patients still in the intermediate, reversible stage are to be saved from irremediable cortical atrophy.