[Electroencephalogram changes and psychopathologic disorders in 60 cases of chronic palm brandy intoxication (Ivory...

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of chronic palm alcohol (a compound of ethyl and methyl alcohols distilled from palm tree wine) consumption, on waking electroencephalogram (EEG) of 60 alcoholics of both sexes. Four profiles have been determined on EEG abnormalities criteria: 1/ theta rhythms (44 patients), 2/ slow alpha rhythms (9 patients), 3/ slow waves and 4/ paroxysmal rhythms. The whole results are globally in agreement with reports regarding waking EEG abnormalities in ethylic subjects. Nevertheless the presence of thêta waves in recordings of many of the subjects, all irritable or aggressive and exhibiting emotional disturbances, would constitute the sign of this alcoholic type.