Effective management of alcohol-induced seizures requires a comprehensive approach that integrates medication, lifestyle changes, and support for alcohol recovery. By combining pharmacological treatments with consistent medical follow-up and lifestyle modifications, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of future seizures and improve their quality of life. Recognizing alcohol-induced seizures early is essential to prevent serious complications, such as status epilepticus, a alcohol related seizure life-threatening condition where seizures occur back-to-back without recovery. An accurate diagnosis ensures that immediate seizure management is provided while also addressing the underlying issue of alcohol dependence. Delirium tremens is a serious, life-threatening complication of alcohol withdrawal. Someone with delirium tremens may have hallucinations, psychosis, heartbeat changes and high body temperature.
Seizures can be focal—or occur on one side of the brain—or generalized in which they appear in both sides of the brain. Alcohol-induced seizures pose immediate and long-term risks to physical health. During a seizure, the individual is vulnerable to physical injuries, and over time, repeated seizures can result in lasting damage to the brain and other bodily functions. Alcohol poisoning can also lead to slow or absent breathing, reducing the amount of oxygen in the brain, a condition called hypoxia.
A combination of medications, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle interventions are often used to ensure long-term recovery and seizure prevention. The highest risk for alcohol-related seizures is typically during detox. Anyone who may experience alcohol withdrawal seizures should detox from alcohol using a medical detox. In a medical detox, you’re monitored by licensed medical professionals around-the-clock so they can help prevent seizures and immediately treat any seizures that develop. Abnormally low blood sugar levels can lead to seizures, and this drop normally occurs at the same time as a hangover, causing people to connect the hangover with the seizure.
Alcohol-related seizures in people without epilepsy
Since alcohol-induced seizures often repeat, consider this a medical emergency. Call 911 and tell the operator you think the person is experiencing an alcohol seizure. The emergency operator will often direct you on further steps to take. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it promotes water loss by increasing urine output. In another 2020 study, researchers found that people with epilepsy were more 5 times more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than people without epilepsy.
Indirect Causes and Contributing Factors
Alcohol does not typically cause seizures when consumed in moderation. However, heavy alcohol use or binge drinking can sometimes trigger seizures, especially in people with an underlying seizure disorder (epilepsy). Additionally, there are studies linking excessive alcohol consumption with an increased risk of developing epilepsy.
Those on blood sugar medications are most at risk for this complication. Dehydration during a hangover may also increase the risk of seizures. While alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, they are not guaranteed to happen.
Strategies for Preventing Alcohol-Induced Seizures
- Someone with delirium tremens may have hallucinations, psychosis, heartbeat changes and high body temperature.
- In a 2020 study, research found that the risk of SUDEP was twice as high in people with a history of alcohol dependence or substance misuse disorder.
- You should also call 911 and get emergency medical help as soon as possible, even if the seizure has stopped.
- If you have a past experience of withdrawal symptoms, you are likely to have them return if you start and stop heavy drinking again.
- Recognizing alcohol-induced seizures early is essential to prevent serious complications, such as status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition where seizures occur back-to-back without recovery.
- Your doctor will want to evaluate you for alcohol-related damage to your liver, heart, the nerves in your feet, blood cell counts, and gastrointestinal tract.
The fluoroquinolones are a widely-used class of broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly useful for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by gram-negative bacteria 1. Effects of fluoroquinolones on the central nervous system have been reported rarely, and are non-specific. These have been attributed to a specific interaction of fluoroquinolones with inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors on neurones, resulting in a reduction in the seizure threshold 2.
Cleveland Clinic cautions that those with epilepsy have much lower thresholds when it comes to alcohol tolerance and that these people are more likely to experience seizures as a part of alcohol withdrawal. Chronic alcohol consumption disrupts the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. Alcohol enhances the GABAergic system (inhibitory) and inhibits glutamate (excitatory) receptors. Abrupt cessation leads to a hyperexcitable state due to the sudden unopposed excitation, potentially triggering seizure activity. Additionally, chronic alcohol use can lead to structural brain changes and neuronal loss, further increasing seizure susceptibility.
FAQs About Alcohol-Related Seizures
Alcohol-induced seizures are a serious medical condition triggered by the effects of alcohol on the brain. These seizures are most commonly linked to alcohol withdrawal, but they can also result from acute intoxication. In this article, we’ll dive into the key causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for alcohol-induced seizures.
Alcohol Withdrawal Can Cause Seizures
Preventing alcohol-induced seizures requires a comprehensive approach that includes responsible drinking, gradual alcohol reduction under medical supervision, and utilizing medications to manage withdrawal. Educational programs, support groups, and ongoing medical care can further help individuals manage their alcohol consumption and minimize seizure risks. By adopting these strategies, individuals can improve both their overall health and long-term outcomes.
Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. There are many potential triggers for someone who is prone to seizures. Flashing lights, especially repetitive on and off or patterns, may trigger a seizure. However, someone who is having an alcohol withdrawal seizure may not need any trigger other than stopping alcohol use.
Clonidine for Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
It is possible that the case described here illustrates such a phenomenon. The seizure could have been due to displacement of GABA from its receptor, decreasing GABA-ergic inhibition 2. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics should thus be used with precaution in patients prescribed other drugs that may also affect the seizure threshold 17. Interactions between quinolones and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or theophylline may also elicit seizures through such a mechanism 20, 40, 41.
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That’s why it’s important to seek help at a professional alcohol rehab facility, especially for detoxification. When people talk about alcohol seizures, they usually mean alcohol withdrawal seizures. These are seizures (convulsions) that can occur 6 to 72 hours after a person with alcohol use disorder stops drinking or significantly reduces their alcohol intake.
Patients with regular consumption of other illegal drugs, missing consent or younger than 18 years were excluded. Patients who refused further treatment due to unknown reasons were also excluded. Patients with a discharge against medical advice (AMA) or for disciplinary reasons were included, provided consent was not revoked and data collection was complete. Her medical history included a fracture of the right ankle six years prior to admission, essential hypertension, allergic asthma, anxiety and depression. She was currently prescribed bisoprolol 10 mg per day, venlafaxine LP 75 mg bid, diazepam 30 mg per day, zolpidem 10 mg per day, inhaled beclometasone and salbutamol, and oral contraception with levonorgestrel.