Epilepsy and Alcohol: Triggers and Safe Drinking

This typically involves bending and straightening of the major joints (elbows, hips, and knees). The person’s face may turn bluish if they have trouble breathing during a prolonged seizure. As the seizure ends, the person may lose bowel or bladder control due to relaxation of the body. Awareness or consciousness return slowly after the alcohol withdrawal seizure ends. The person may appear confused, sleepy, irritable, embarrassed, or frightened afterwards. A seizure occurs when the nerve cells in the https://sheatheorybeauty.com/veterans-mental-health-substance-use-disorders/ brain stop firing in certain patterns and begin firing together.

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Hypoglycemia causes seizures and is more likely to occur in those who use medicine to keep their blood sugar levels in a normal range. Drinking impacts GABA receptors, which have a relaxing influence on the brain. Most of the time, because drinking enhances GABA’s effects, the brain is even more relaxed than normal.

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• Such individuals are at a particularly high risk of seizures after consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time (for example, 2-3 drinks over 2-3 hours).
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) encompasses a spectrum of drinking behaviors, from risky or harmful use to alcohol dependence.
• We have an experienced team of healthcare providers who can manage alcohol-related seizures during the withdrawal phase and keep you safe and comfortable.
• In some cases, this hyperactivity manifests as withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, and, in severe situations, seizures.

Additionally, considering medication-specific considerations is essential for proper seizure management. Consuming alcohol can lower the seizure threshold, making individuals more susceptible to experiencing seizures. By considering these differential diagnoses, can alcoholism cause seizures healthcare providers can ensure that alcohol withdrawal is indeed the cause of the seizure activity.

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You may need to provide first aid if they injure themselves during the seizure or have any complications during or after the seizure. These symptoms can be alarming and require immediate attention, especially if they occur during withdrawal or after a binge. Experiencing this kind of seizure can make you hurt yourself by biting your tongue or hitting your head. If you experience an alcohol-related seizure, you may experience falling to the floor and shaking violently for a few minutes.

Alcohol withdrawal seizures typically develop 6-48 hours after you stop drinking, but they can occur 2-7 days after your last drink. The seizures can develop abruptly without warning, and multiple seizures can occur within a 6- to 8-hour period. Over-consumption of alcohol increases the risk of seizures, but almost all alcohol-related seizures happen during withdrawal or detox.

Medications like acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram are approved by the FDA to manage AUD. In addition, you may be prescribed additional medications to manage certain symptoms, such as to manage anxiety or seizures. In some cases, DTs can have long-term effects on mental or cognitive health. While these effects can be treated, continued treatment is sometimes necessary. Close monitoring, medication, restoring fluid and electrolyte balance, and providing supportive care are necessary to ensure alcoholism safety. This episode involves a loss of consciousness accompanied by violent muscle spasms.

Experts say everyone going through withdrawal should get medical help—no matter if symptoms are mild or severe. Even with an assessment, doctors aren’t able to say with certainty that a person is safe to quit drinking cold turkey. That’s why going through alcohol detox in a hospital or 24/7 detox facility is so important.

It is important to note that not everyone who drinks heavily will experience either type of alcohol-related seizure. However, heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence increase the risk for both types of seizures. Acute symptomatic seizures occur during a period of intoxication and are directly related to the use of alcohol. They can occur in individuals with no history of epilepsy or seizure disorder.

• Both alcohol consumption and certain seizure medications can have significant effects on seizure activity.
• Remember that even a small amount of alcohol is bad for your health, and it is lower risk to avoid alcohol altogether, according to the CDC.
• Our holistic approach to alcohol rehab includes addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of your recovery.
• Their expert team is dedicated to helping you achieve sobriety and protect your health.
• Consequently, driving while under the influence of both alcohol and ASMs is hazardous, even if the alcohol consumption is within the legal limit.

Heavy alcohol use of three or more drinks in a day can also increase the frequency of seizures in those who already have epilepsy. Additionally, epilepsy medications can increase the effects of alcohol, causing each drink to make you more intoxicated than it usually would. Someone with epilepsy should use alcohol very carefully, as it can increase the risk of severe health problems and complications. In some cases, inpatient detoxification may be necessary to manage severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.