Withdrawal seizures, in particular, require medical attention as they indicate significant neurological disruption and risk for more severe convulsions. However, chronic heavy drinking may lower the seizure threshold permanently or even contribute to developing epilepsy over time through structural brain damage. Alcohol can cause seizures even in individuals without a previous history, particularly if they binge drink heavily or abruptly stop after prolonged use. Chronic heavy drinking can lead to structural brain changes that increase the likelihood https://daesoftperu.com/2023/04/26/medical-complications-common-alcohol-related/ of developing epilepsy.
Reducing the Risk of Severe Withdrawal
Drinking to excess can lead to withdrawal seizures, which happen up to three days after you had your last drink. Moreover, binge drinking increases the likelihood of provoking seizures since it causes rapid fluctuations in blood alcohol concentration that destabilize neural circuits. While withdrawal is a major cause, high blood alcohol levels themselves can provoke seizure-like activity. This occurs less frequently than withdrawal seizures but is still clinically significant. Excessive alcohol consumption and withdrawal can trigger seizure-like symptoms by disrupting brain activity.
The Scientific Evidence: Research Insights Into Alcohol Abuse Causing Seizures
- Because it has grown accustomed to higher levels of a depressant (alcohol), the rebound effect can be an overactive, hyper-excitable state.
- Prolonged drinking can lead to compensatory changes in your brain, such as the down-regulation of GABA receptors and increased expression of NMDA receptors.
- First, our data on alcohol use depended on patients’ self-reporting and may be affected by recall bias.
- This cascade primes the brain for hyperexcitability once alcohol leaves the system abruptly.
- Common triggers include lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking their prescribed anti-seizure medication (ASM).
These vary depending on individual factors and the stage of alcohol use or withdrawal. These seizures are dangerous not only because of their physical risks but also because they indicate severe underlying brain instability caused by long-term alcohol abuse. However, chronic alcohol use causes the brain to adapt by reducing GABA receptor sensitivity and increasing glutamate receptor activity to maintain balance.
Seizure triggers
Additionally, considering medication-specific considerations is essential for proper seizure management. The most common are generalized tonic-clonic seizures involving loss of consciousness and muscle contractions. Focal seizures with localized symptoms can also occur due to alcohol abuse. In addition to therapy and counseling, medical supervision during detoxification is recommended to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
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These seizures are typically generalized and may happen as a single seizure or in clusters over several hours. Sudden cessation of alcohol, especially after prolonged use, increases the risk of seizures from alcohol withdrawal. The most typical and severe type of seizure that happens is called tonic-clonic seizures, also called convulsions.
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The seizure usually lasts one to three minutes, after which the individual may experience confusion, fatigue, and muscle soreness — can alcohol cause seizures a period known as the postictal state. 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. Medications such as clonazepam and lorazepam are benzodiazepines that can cause a life threatening interaction when mixed with alcohol. Consuming alcohol in large quantities for extended periods seems to increase seizure frequency and might increase your risk of SUDEP. The leaflet that comes with your medications can advise you on whether it’s safe to mix your medication with alcohol.
Alcohol Seizures and Their Connection to Withdrawal
This typically involves getting professional help from a medical detox or rehab facility like The Recovery Village Kansas City. If you have had alcohol-related seizures or think alcohol rehab you are at risk for them, we encourage you to contact us to learn how we can help you start your journey to lasting recovery today. As discussed above, some studies have found links between chronic alcohol use and the risk of developing epilepsy.