can you have a seizure from alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal seizures can occur 6-48 hours after the last drink, sometimes even 2-7 days after you stop alcohol consumption. Seizures (convulsions) occur during alcohol withdrawal due to changes in brain chemistry. But the relationship between alcohol intake and seizures is not straightforward. When chronic heavy drinkers suddenly stop drinking, they experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These are uncomfortable physical and mental side effects that can be potentially life-threatening. However, people who have epilepsy are at an even greater risk of having a seizure if they suddenly stop using alcohol after developing a dependency.

Complications of alcohol withdrawal delirium

can you have a seizure from alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol-induced seizures are serious and potentially life-threatening and can occur due to various factors related to alcohol use. A primary cause is the abrupt cessation of alcohol intake after heavy drinking, known as alcohol withdrawal. This sudden change can lead to hyperexcitability in the brain, resulting in seizures.

From 24 to 72 Hours

can you have a seizure from alcohol withdrawal

Fortunately, no matter how severe the drinking problem, most people with an alcohol use disorder can benefit from treatment. Seeking treatment at a professional alcohol rehabilitation facility can help you significantly reduce or stop your drinking. Treatment can also lower your risk of related problems such as alcohol seizures. Recognizing these symptoms is vital, as alcohol seizures can lead to further complications and require immediate medical intervention. Treatment may involve medications such as benzodiazepines to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent future seizures. Alcohol seizures are a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur due to excessive alcohol consumption or during withdrawal.

can you have a seizure from alcohol withdrawal

What are the recommendations for alcohol use with epilepsy?

Because δ subunit–containing GABAA receptors have a highly specific regional distribution, the lack of uniformity in the experimental results is now understandable. Mody (39) has proposed that such δ subunit–containing GABAA receptors are located largely perisynaptically or extrasynaptically, where they mediate tonic inhibition of neurons by ambient GABA. The functional role of tonic GABA current is still obscure (40), but the current could act to reduce network oscillations (41). Potentiation of extrasynaptic GABA receptors likely contributes to the anticonvulsant activity of ethanol, including its protective activity against alcohol withdrawal seizures.

Managing Alcohol Seizures Through Lifestyle Adjustments

can you have a seizure from alcohol withdrawal

Repeated detox attempts can increase the risk of a severe withdrawal syndrome, including alcohol withdrawal seizures, due to the kindling effect, and a severe withdrawal syndrome called delirium tremens (DTs). Chronic alcohol abuse is linked to an increased risk of epilepsy (seizure disorder). The sooner you seek professional treatment and get sober, the better your chances of avoiding these serious health complications. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may begin as soon as 6 to 8 hours after decreasing alcohol intake (Table 2). Early symptoms include tremulousness, anxiety, palpitations, nausea, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and anorexia 28.

FAQs About Alcohol-Related Seizures

Alcohol withdrawal seizures are common in patients with chronic alcohol use and usually occur between 6 and 48 hours after decreasing alcohol use 29–31. Early recognition and treatment of alcohol-related seizures are important to prevent development of status epilepticus. Approximately 12 to 48 withdrawal seizures symptoms hours after cessation of alcohol use, alcoholic hallucinosis may occur.

Alcohol-related seizures in people without epilepsy

If you or someone you know has an alcohol use disorder, know that help is available. Although alcohol rarely causes seizures, alcohol’s relaxing effect is removed during withdrawal. The minor symptoms from stage 1 can also become severe and life-threatening if not treated.

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