Alcohol Induced Epilepsy Seizures: Risks and Recommendations

Alcohol causes an initial spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a drop below normal levels for the next 12 hours. First, our data on alcohol use depended on patients’ self-reporting and may be affected by recall bias. It has been demonstrated that assessing alcohol consumption is biased by recall even when the recall period is only 1 week (25). Moreover, patients were seen at our institution at scheduled outpatient visits and did not attend the clinic after acute manifestations of alcohol-related seizures. Only a minority of patients documented details on alcohol-related seizures in seizure diaries.

Hallucinations and Cardiovascular Risks

Human and animal data have shown that acute alcohol intake has a biphasic effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Initially, the inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic effect of alcohol exerts CNS depressant and anticonvulsant properties (4, 5). In the post-alcohol state, however, when alcohol blood levels decline, neuronal excitability is increased which may facilitate the occurrence of seizures in patients with epilepsy (6, 7). Alcohol withdrawal seizures (delirium tremens) occur when the body undergoes severe and unexpected nervous system changes after an alcohol-dependent person stops drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to seizures, a serious neurological consequence impacting brain function. Alcohol alters the balance of chemicals in the brain, increasing https://ecosoberhouse.com/ seizure activity.

How Long After Stopping Drinking Can Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures Occur?

• Prolonged alcohol use alters brain chemistry, and sudden cessation leads to hyperexcitability of neurons, triggering seizures.
• The interplay between chronic heavy drinking, prior seizures, and co-occurring conditions creates a dangerous cycle for alcoholics.
• While managing your drinking can help you avoid seizures, drinking in moderation can lead to more drinking, creating a risk of developing addiction and dependence.
• Someone with epilepsy should not drink alcohol without first discussing the potential risks with a doctor who is familiar with their specific condition.
• Alcohol can lower the seizure threshold, making them more prone to seizures, even with moderate intake.

Diagnosing alcohol withdrawal seizures requires a systematic medical evaluation, starting with a detailed patient history. Clinicians assess the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, the timing of the last drink, and any prior withdrawal episodes. Physical examinations focus on vital signs, as hypertension, tachycardia, alcohol induced seizure and fever are common in withdrawal states. Laboratory tests, such as blood alcohol levels, electrolyte panels, and liver function tests, help rule out other causes of seizures, such as hypoglycemia or Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

• Genetic predispositions play a role, as some people may inherit a lower seizure threshold or a greater likelihood of developing alcohol dependence.
• Human and animal data have shown that acute alcohol intake has a biphasic effect on the central nervous system (CNS).
• Because of the unpredictability and potential severity of withdrawal seizures, medical supervision is crucial.
• Alcohol withdrawal seizures are more likely to occur in those who have used alcohol heavily over prolonged periods.
• If your symptoms are mild, your team might offer supportive treatments (like fluid therapy and multivitamins).

Factors That Increase the Risk

Alcohol use changes brain signals and can cause dehydration and changes in the normal concentrations of chemicals in your bloodstream. Seizure medicine can also interact with alcohol, making its effect even greater. All these factors combine to increase your risk of seizures while using alcohol. Second, as patients were interviewed retrospectively on the occurrence of alcohol-related seizures, we were not able to provide data on AED drug levels after the acute manifestation of these seizures. We cannot exclude that subjects might have been more prone to seizure occurrences due to AED non-adherence. Furthermore, we cannot exclude hypoglycemic episodes caused by acute heavy alcohol consumption (26), which may have contributed to the manifestation of epileptic seizures (27).

Education about the risks of untreated alcohol withdrawal and the importance of long-term sobriety is also critical to prevent recurrence. In this study, we aimed to systematically analyze alcohol drinking and the occurrence of alcohol-related seizures in 310 epilepsy patients. Even though alcohol use may trigger seizures, 65% of interviewed subjects had consumed alcohol within the last 12 months and every third patient had consumed alcohol within the last 7 days. Our results are in line with previous population-based study findings from Canada reporting a 12-month prevalence of alcohol use in patients with epilepsy of 57.6% (20). Regarding chronic heavy alcohol consumption, our cohort of patients had used alcohol far more responsibly than the general adult German population. Only 2.9% of our interviewed study subjects were AUDIT positive indicating hazardous and harmful alcohol intake.

Can Excessive Drinking Cause Seizures?

Alcohol withdrawal seizures can be managed in a healthcare setting but can be dangerous if you’re at home without access to medical care. amphetamine addiction treatment That’s why it’s important to seek help at a professional alcohol rehab facility, especially for detoxification. At Discover Recovery, we offer personalized alcohol addiction treatment programs to help you get sober and stay sober.

Treatment for Alcohol Seizures at Discover Recovery

If you or someone you care about abuses alcohol, you might be concerned about the negative consequences of drinking too much. Below, you’ll learn more about seizures, how they can be linked to alcohol use, abuse and alcoholism, and how to know whether you or someone you love might be addicted to alcohol. There is no cure for epilepsy, but medicines can control seizures for most people. When medicines are not working well, surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators may help. 100 consecutive male patients presenting to a tertiary care center in South India with new onset ARS were analyzed with alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) score. All underwent 19 channel digital scalp electroencephalography (EEG) and at least computed tomography (CT) scan.

Mental Health Treatment

For people with epilepsy, alcohol may interfere with anti-seizure medications and increase the risk of seizures. In people with epilepsy, drinking three or more drinks may increase the risk of seizures. The authors report that over 90% of alcohol withdrawal seizures occur within 48 hours after the last drink. Hangovers do not generally increase the risk of seizures, but they can play a role in seizures occurring. The greatest risk of a seizure during a hangover is not due to the hangover itself but to the long-term blood sugar effects of alcohol.