Amnesia, severe dysarthria, and sometimes hypothermia are seen at which level?

• A. 250-299 mg%
• B. 300-399 mg%
• C. 400-499 mg%
• D. 500-600 mg%

Answer: (B)

When alcohol levels rise enough to cause significant CNS depression, memory formation and speech coordination become impaired in predictable ways. Amnesia or blackouts occur because the hippocampus can’t encode new memories under strong intoxication. Severe dysarthria reflects impaired motor control of the speech muscles as coordination deteriorates. Hypothermia can develop because alcohol disrupts the body’s thermoregulation and promotes heat loss through vasodilation, especially in cooler conditions. Taken together, these signs typically appear at a blood alcohol concentration around 0.30–0.39% (300–399 mg/dL), indicating very high intoxication. Lower ranges tend to produce drunkenness with less memory loss and speech impairment, while higher ranges raise the risk of stupor or coma.