Can You Guess How Long the World’s Longest Hangover Lasted?

Hangovers themselves feel like they take a lifetime to get over. You feel nauseous the next day and you tell yourself you are never drinking again. And the cycle continues. However, what if your hangover did really last as long as you think it does? Well, one unlucky guy had the chance to find out. This is the world’s longest hangover and you will not believe how many drinks it took to get to that point.

This Might Be the World’s Longest Hangover

In Glasgow, a 37-year-old man recently garnered attention for what may be considered the longest hangover in the context of binge beer drinking. In October, the person checked into a hospital emergency room complaining of persistent symptoms. This included wavy vision and an unrelenting headache that had lasted for an astonishing four weeks.

The medical mystery began to unravel when an eye specialist was consulted. It was revealed that the patient was suffering from a rare condition induced by severe dehydration. He had no history of head trauma or unconsciousness and was free from any medication. However, the extended duration of alcohol-induced dehydration resulted in unusual visual disturbances and an enduring headache. The intriguing case has been documented in the British journal The Lancet. Furthermore, it sheds light on the unusual consequences of severe dehydration in the context of excessive alcohol consumption.

How Did They Find Out It Was a Hangover?

The patient under examination had no previous history of head injury, loss of consciousness, or medication use, as indicated by Zia Carrim and colleagues from Southern General Hospital in a case report. Initial assessments, including normal body temperature, blood pressure, and negative neurological exam results, left doctors puzzled. However, the involvement of an eye specialist shed light on the case, providing clarity for the medical team.

The ophthalmologist discovered that the patient exhibited swollen optical discs, significantly enlarged blind spots, and “flame hemorrhages” (bleeding nerve fibers). Seeking a more detailed history, the doctors learned that the man had consumed an astonishing 60 pints. This is approximately 35 liters of beer within four days following a domestic crisis. Suspecting severe dehydration, the physicians speculated that the alcohol intake had induced a rare condition. This is known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Moreover, confirmation of this diagnosis came through a brain blood vessel scan.

What Is CVST?

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but serious medical condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the venous sinuses of the brain. The venous sinuses are channels that help drain blood from the brain. When a clot forms in these sinuses, it can obstruct blood flow, leading to an increase in pressure within the brain.

The symptoms of CVST can vary but often include severe headaches, visual disturbances, seizures, and neurological deficits. CVST can be caused by various factors, including medical conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting, infections, head injuries, and dehydration.

CVST in Britain

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) is a rare condition, affecting three to four individuals per million annually in Britain, primarily among children. The disorder, characterized by blood clots in the brain’s venous sinuses, can lead to seizures, impaired consciousness, vision loss, and neurological damage. The specific cause of CVST is often unknown. In the case discussed, it required over six months of extended treatment with blood-thinning medication for the patient’s vision to return to normal, and the persistent headache to resolve, as reported by the doctors.

Do you think someone will be able to beat the record for the world’s longest hangover?

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