Ayurvedic Name: Mad
Description:
Mad is intoxication or a state of delirium resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, or metabolic disorders. It disturbs the balance of doshas and weakens cognitive functions. Detoxification, herbal tonics, and lifestyle corrections help in restoring normalcy.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Mada (Intoxication / State of Delirium): Altered state of consciousness with confusion and disorientation.
- Vata Dosa: Vāta disorders cause instability in the mind, leading to delirium.
- Pitta Dosa: Pitta excess contributes to confusion and hallucinations.
- Kapha Dosa: Excess Kapha leads to lethargy, confusion, and loss of clarity.
Diagnosis:
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Test
Risk Factors:
- Dietary Factors: Eating overly stimulating foods, such as those high in sugar or caffeine, can lead to Mad (delirium) by disturbing the balance of the nervous system. Foods that are excessively hot or spicy can further increase the body’s internal heat, leading to mental confusion.
- Lifestyle Factors: Stress, anxiety, and trauma can contribute to Mad, especially when mental exhaustion or excessive physical exertion occurs. Sleep deprivation and substance abuse can also lead to mental disturbances.
Complications:
- Mental Confusion (Mad): Impaired cognitive function or delirium, often caused by overexertion, stress, or imbalanced doshas.
- Disorientation (Bhrama): Loss of orientation and confusion due to mental exhaustion or imbalance.
- Hallucinations (Atimanasik): Perception of things that are not present, resulting from intense mental imbalance.
Epidemeology:
Mad (Delirium) occurs due to acute or chronic brain dysfunction and can result from infections, drug toxicity, or withdrawal. It is more common in elderly individuals and those with underlying medical conditions such as dementia, stroke, or head trauma. Mad is associated with changes in mental status and is often seen in patients who are critically ill or recovering from surgery.