Clinical profile of patients with nascent alcohol related seizures

Though our sample is very small, EEG does have a role in identifying this subgroup that requires prolonged treatment. Combining alcohol with other substances can increase the risk of seizures. Alcohol mixed with stimulants, for example, could increase the likelihood of a seizure occurring when the alcohol wears off. Alcohol mixed with a depressant can increase the risk of an overdose, which can lead to decreased oxygen levels that can cause seizures. For someone with alcohol use disorder, the risk of alcohol-related seizures is reduced while alcohol levels are high, but the risk increases as alcohol is metabolized and withdrawal sets in. This process can lead to a phenomenon called “rebound, ” where the brain enters a hyperexcitable state as seizure suppression is removed  and subsequent seizure activity occurs.

How Are Seizures Linked to Binge Drinking?

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. Many medications can help prevent seizures; however, these are only used in those with epilepsy or who are likely to have seizures. Seizure medicine requires a prescription, and doctors do not typically prescribe them to people who think they may have seizures from drinking.

Causes & Risk Factors

• If you experience an alcohol-related seizure, seek immediate medical attention.
• Abrupt cessation leads to a hyperexcitable state due to the sudden unopposed excitation, potentially triggering seizure activity.
• 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.
• While under-stimulated, they create a reverse effect, making seizures more likely to occur until they readjust to the absence of alcohol, leading to alcohol withdrawal seizures.
• For people with epilepsy, alcohol may interact with epilepsy medications and worsen their side effects or make the medications less effective in preventing seizures.
• However, they may cause people to fall and sustain potentially serious injuries, such as head injuries.

“What to know about alcohol poisoning.” Medical News Today, December 2017. Bråthen, Geir; et al. “Alcohol-related seizures.” European Handbook of Neurological Management, 2011. Before taking your medications, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor or your pharmacist to see if it’s safe to mix with alcohol. The leaflet that comes with your medications can advise you on whether it’s safe to mix your medication with alcohol.

Lifestyle Quizzes

However, withdrawal symptoms accompanying delirium tremens do not need to be alcohol related seizure present when a person experiences a seizure. When alcohol withdrawal syndrome sets in, seizures may arise within approximately 6 to 48 hours. Tell the person you’ll help them find the right treatment program for alcohol abuse.

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Additionally, if a seizure cannot be stopped or multiple seizures occur in rapid succession, it could result in permanent injury or prove fatal. Alcohol seizures may share symptoms with seizures that are not linked to alcohol. This section answers some frequently asked questions about alcohol and seizures. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism and need help safely detoxing, we are here for you. We are committed to helping you medically detox safely and maintain long-term sobriety. Contact us today to learn how we can help you start your journey to lasting freedom from addiction.

Following this stage of the seizure, the person will convulse uncontrollably. Often, the person will have no bodily control during the seizure and will not remember it, being very groggy as they slowly wake up afterward. Experiencing this kind of seizure can make you hurt yourself by biting your tongue or hitting your head. Medications such as clonazepam and lorazepam are benzodiazepines that can cause a life threatening interaction when mixed with alcohol.

Risks of drinking, even in moderation, with epilepsy

Reduced sleep quality and consecutive sleep deprivation have long been discussed to facilitate the occurrence of seizures in patients with epilepsy (31), and especially in those with generalized genetic epilepsy (32–34). Altered sleep architecture due to acute alcohol consumption constitutes a non-negligible and important co-factor for seizure risk in patients with epilepsy. Due to the retrospective design of the present study, we were not able to assess sleep quality prior to alcohol-related seizure occurrences.

• Many people have successfully beaten alcohol addiction and gone on to live healthy lives free from the negative effects that alcohol use can create.
• Between October 2008 and April 2010, consecutive patients treated at the Epilepsy Outpatient Clinic, Department of Neurology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin were informed about the study and invited to participate.
• Many medications can help prevent seizures; however, these are only used in those with epilepsy or who are likely to have seizures.
• Assessments help treatment professionals figure out if a problem exists and, if so, determine the diagnosis.
• Alcohol use changes brain signals and can cause dehydration and changes in the normal concentrations of chemicals in your bloodstream.
• If you or a loved one has a history of seizures or alcohol withdrawal, learning about the link between drinking and seizures is important.

The assessment process involves meeting with a licensed alcohol use disorder therapist at a treatment facility or detox center. It is a safe, confidential place where you can be honest about alcohol misuse. Together, you can create a treatment plan based on your physical, emotional, and medical needs. Prior to the interview, each participant was educated on the scientific background and purpose of the study.