Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure Treatment & Prevention

Alcohol may negatively affect sleep, and sleep disruptions may trigger seizures. For people with epilepsy, alcohol may interact with epilepsy medications and worsen their side effects or make the medications less effective in preventing seizures. Heavy drinking, particularly withdrawal from heavy drinking, may trigger seizures in those with epilepsy.

• The aura stage can involve the early stages of a seizure or another warning sign that a seizure is coming.
• It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
• Alcohol withdrawal seizuresmay begin within hours to days of stopping alcohol use or starting analcohol detox.
• Alcohol may negatively affect sleep, and sleep disruptions may trigger seizures.
• Tremors often affect the hands but can occur elsewhere in the body as well, according to the U.S.
• People who have an addiction to alcohol or who drink heavily on a regular basis and are not able to gradually cut down are at high risk of AWS.

Continuing Education Activity

The link between alcohol withdrawal and the onset of seizures is well-documented. Certain metabolic disturbances caused by alcohol overdose, such as significantly low blood sugar, can also lead to seizures. Individuals with a history of epilepsy are at increased risk of seizures during alcohol withdrawal. At alcohol withdrawal seizure Healthgrades, our Editorial Team works hard to develop complete, objective and meaningful health information to help people choose the right doctor, right hospital and right care. Our writers include physicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses with firsthand clinical experience.

What Are the Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal?

• Individuals with this medical condition can drink alcohol in small amounts without experiencing an increase in seizure activity.
• Seizures may occur in around 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
• A primary cause is the abrupt cessation of alcohol intake after heavy drinking, known as alcohol withdrawal.

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. In some cases, seizures may occur after the acute withdrawal phase is over. Inpatient and residential treatment can provide additional medical monitoring to ensure your safety and sobriety. Depressants like alcohol can cause your muscles to relax, but withdrawal can cause tremors, muscle tightness, and seizures.

Types of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

• If you’re dependent on alcohol, you may need to go through a tapering period with the help of a doctor.
• We are also equipped to treat co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and others.
• Over 50% of alcohol withdrawal seizures may relate to additional risk factors, such as preexisting epilepsy, structural brain lesions, or drug use.
• Alcohol is one of the most common recreational substances in the world.
• It is also possible to experience seizures as a result of alcohol withdrawal.

Moderate alcohol intake does not usually cause seizures in otherwise healthy individuals. However, research has found that the effects of long-term alcohol use on the human brain may increase the risk of developing seizure disorders. In other words, there may be a link between chronic alcohol use (alcoholism) and epilepsy risk. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

When this effect occurs deeply or over a long period of time, brain activity can rebound during alcohol withdrawal, exceeding normal levels and creating the risk of a seizure. Someone with an alcohol withdrawal seizure mayexperience convulsions and lose consciousness. If an alcohol withdrawal seizure occurs, it is a medical emergency. Binge drinkingand alcohol withdrawal togethercan cause seizures, even in people not previously diagnosed with epilepsy. Binge drinking refers to a scenario where you drink a lot in a short period of time, and the seizures related to binge drinking can stem from withdrawal. Even if you’re not a chronic drinker, in some cases, you may also experience withdrawal seizures after binge drinking.

Doctors will need to monitor and manage your condition for any complications. They may also provide intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and medication to ease your symptoms. The minor symptoms from stage 1 can also become severe and life-threatening if not treated. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that may lead to lasting brain damage or death.

From 24 to 72 Hours

Alcohol withdrawal seizures typically aren’t deadly on their own, but they can lead to dangerous complications. If you’re in a standing position or around dangerous objects, a seizure can cause a potentially fatal accident or injury. Seizures can also cause your blood pressure and heart rate to increase.

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