CIWA Calculator
Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol - Revised (CIWA-Ar)
CIWA-Ar Assessment Scale
Instructions: This scale assesses 10 symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Rate each symptom based on current severity. The assessment should be conducted by trained healthcare professionals.
1. Nausea and Vomiting
2. Tremor
3. Paroxysmal Sweats
4. Anxiety
5. Agitation
6. Tactile Disturbances
7. Auditory Disturbances
8. Visual Disturbances
9. Headache, Fullness in Head
10. Orientation and Clouded Sensorium
CIWA-Ar Assessment Results
Assessment: Minimal/Mild Withdrawal
Clinical Indication: Pharmacological treatment typically not indicated
Recommendation: Monitor symptoms. Supportive care and observation may be sufficient.
🚨 Critical Medical Information
• CIWA assessment must be performed by trained healthcare professionals
• This tool is for clinical use in hospital/medical settings only
• Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and requires medical supervision
• Severe withdrawal symptoms may require immediate emergency care
• Do not use this tool for self-assessment or treatment decisions
• Always consult qualified medical professionals for alcohol withdrawal management
CIWA-Ar Components
CIWA Score Interpretation
Understanding the CIWA Scale
What is CIWA?
The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised (CIWA-Ar) is a validated 10-item scale used to assess and monitor alcohol withdrawal syndrome severity. Developed by Sullivan et al. in 1989, it's the most widely used tool in clinical practice.
Clinical Applications
- •Quantify withdrawal symptom severity
- •Guide pharmacological treatment decisions
- •Monitor treatment response and progression
- •Standardize care across healthcare settings
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Early Symptoms (6-24 hours)
Tremor, anxiety, nausea, sweating, headache, and insomnia
Intermediate (24-72 hours)
Hallucinations (visual, auditory, tactile), disorientation, and agitation
Severe (48-96 hours)
Delirium tremens (DTs) with confusion, hyperthermia, seizures, and cardiovascular instability
Warning: Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Severe cases require immediate medical intervention and hospitalization.