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Modified Minnesota Detoxification Scale (mMINDS)

Objective severity scoring for alcohol withdrawal in critically ill patients.

Modified Minnesota Detoxification Scale (mMINDS)
Pulse (beats/min)
Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Tremor
Sweat
Hallucinations
Agitation (RASS)
Orientation
Delusions present
Actively seizing
Result0 points

Higher scores indicate more severe withdrawal; local protocols use the trend to titrate benzodiazepine/adjunct dosing (typical bands: <10 mild, 10-20 moderate, >20 severe).

When to use

  • Serial assessment of alcohol withdrawal severity in ICU or intubated patients where CIWA-Ar is impractical.

Formula

Sum of 9 items: pulse, diastolic BP, tremor, sweat, hallucinations, agitation (RASS), orientation, delusions, seizures. Range 0-46.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Unlike CIWA-Ar, mMINDS items do not require patient interaction, so it can be scored in sedated or ventilated patients.

References

  1. DeCarolis DD, Rice KL, Ho L, et al. Pharmacotherapy. 2007;27(4):510-8.
  2. Heavner MS, et al. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2020;46(9):516-23.