Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and even be life-threatening in severe cases. People with a long history of heavy alcohol use are more likely to suffer severe withdrawal effects, including alcohol seizures. 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. Those on blood sugar medications are most at risk for this complication. Dehydration during a hangover may also increase the risk of seizures.
- For some people, certain situations can trigger (set off) a seizure.
- If you think that someone has alcohol poisoning, seek medical care right away.
- According to a 2017 review, muscle myopathy is common in alcohol use disorder.
- An alcohol-related seizure may result in your inability to control your actions, which could be dangerous.
- Also, if there are 3 or more seizures in a row and the person does not regain consciousness in between seizures, they should be evaluated in a hospital emergency room.
Alcohol and Seizures: Can Drinking Cause Seizures?
Tell the person you’ll help them find the right treatment program for alcohol abuse. And explain how you’ll be an active part of the recovery process. Together, you can address this issue properly and help the person build a happier and healthier life in recovery.
Alcohol use changes brain signals and can cause dehydration and changes in the normal concentrations of chemicals in your bloodstream. Seizure medicine can also interact with alcohol, making its effect even greater. All these factors combine to increase your risk of seizures while using alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal seizures (delirium tremens) occur when the body undergoes severe and unexpected nervous system changes after an alcohol-dependent person stops drinking. Alcohol-related seizures can happen when people are acutely intoxicated.
Alcohol-Related Epilepsy
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. The researchers also found that the risk of epilepsy increased as alcohol consumption increased. According to the researchers, these results are consistent with previous studies. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, some studies have linked chronic alcohol misuse to the development of epilepsy.
Learning more about your own epilepsy and treatment means you can make informed choices about your lifestyle. 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.
Our program provides comprehensive follow-up care after medical detox to help maintain long-term sobriety. We are also an Why Do People Take Ketamine Risk Factors and Dangers in-network provider for a range of insurance companies, including Cigna, BCBS and Humana. While seizures can manifest in many ways, tonic-clonic seizures are the most common and can last up to two minutes. They will fall if standing upright, and every muscle in their body will be completely tense.
Alcohol-related seizures in people without epilepsy
At Discover Recovery, we offer personalized alcohol addiction treatment programs to help you get sober and stay sober. Our holistic approach to alcohol rehab includes addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of your recovery. Our goal is to give you the best chance of kicking the habit and reclaiming your life. 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.
Can alcohol trigger seizures in epilepsy?
Responses to enquiries contain information relating to the general principles of investigation and management of epilepsy. Answers are not, and should not be assumed to be, direct medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctors. Epilepsy Society and any third party cannot be held responsible for any actions taken as a result of using this service. Any references made to other organisations does not imply any endorsement by Epilepsy Society.
