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Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Understandably, it is important to know how alcohol seizures are related to withdrawal symptoms for one who is trying to cease drinking or has someone in mind who does. This knowledge will enable one to identify when he/she sees the symptoms early enough and seek medical help if needed. Understanding the relationship between alcohol and seizures is crucial for individuals with alcohol abuse issues. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse and experiencing seizures, it is essential to seek professional help.

  • Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
  • The deep layers of the superior colliculus send projections directly to the spinal cord via the pontine reticular formation and the periaqueductal gray.
  • The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms progressively increases over years of alcohol abuse, and repeated detoxifications augment the likelihood of alcohol withdrawal seizures (83,84).
  • Addiction can make it even harder to stop using alcohol, and it often involves or leads to chemical dependence.
  • Since alcohol causes inhibitory effects on your brain, your brain may produce fewer of its own inhibitory effects.
  • Remember, seeking help is a crucial step towards managing alcohol-related seizures and achieving sobriety.

2.3. Symptom‐triggered treatment

According to a 2017 article, alcohol withdrawal seizures in those without epilepsy may occur 6–48 hours after a person consumes their last alcoholic drink. The purpose of this blog Is to explain clearly about alcohol withdrawal as well as its connection with seizures. We will discuss causes, symptoms, and ways of preventing them so that you don’t risk yourself or your close ones too much during the period of abstinence. As a result, by the time we are done with this blog post, some aspects about what exactly you should expect as well as how you could deal with these serious health problems shall have been cleared out. If you’ve tried to reduce or stop drinking in the past and have experienced withdrawal symptoms, there are ways to safely detox from AUD. A specialist can help you decide the best course of action to ensure your safety.

Cardiac and Respiratory Complications

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the most serious and dramatic feature of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Nearly one-third of all people with significant alcohol withdrawal will experience alcohol withdrawal seizures. When we quit or cut back on alcohol abruptly, we may experience withdrawal, a period of physical and mental symptoms occurring as our brain tries to regain balance. The abnormal electrical activity from a seizure can scramble normal activity in our brain, which can impact our consciousness, movement, and behavior. There are different types of seizures, but the most common type caused sober house by alcohol withdrawal is generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

why does alcohol withdrawal cause seizures

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You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. GABA slows down signaling in the brain by blocking messages in the central nervous system (CNS). This neurotransmitter produces a calming effect by reeling in nerve cell hyperactivity, which is linked to fear, anxiety, and stress. Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled spurts of electrical activity in our brain that change or disrupt normal messaging in our brain.

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Our study was unable to identify the factors influencing a physician’s choice of protocol, such as co-morbidities, physician training, prior patient history, or institution policy. We also could not assess whether other adjuvant agents were used or what dosing regimens were employed, both of which could influence the outcomes. Nevertheless, the results of this study align with previous literature, highlighting the widespread use of lorazepam and its effectiveness in AWS management.

why does alcohol withdrawal cause seizures

Treatment and support options are available for those struggling with alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse can have severe consequences, not only on physical health but also on mental well-being and social relationships. It is essential to recognize the potential risks and seek help if alcohol abuse becomes a concern. If it lasts more than 5 minutes or there are 3 seizures consecutively without becoming conscious in between, you need medical help.

Signs of Dehydration

A medical evaluation can provide a comprehensive assessment, and appropriate treatment and support options can be explored. If you have a more severe chemical dependence on alcohol, you may experience more severe symptoms more quickly. Quitting cold turkey can come with some severe withdrawal symptoms, and it can be dangerous. Kindling is a term describing a neurological phenomenon that makes alcohol withdrawal symptoms worse after previous withdrawals from depressant drugs.

Treatment options for alcohol abuse, including detoxification and rehabilitation programs, can address the underlying issues and help individuals on their journey to sobriety. Because alcohol mimics GABA, it decreases our brain’s natural ability to produce GABA and decreases its receptors over time. Glutamate receptors adapt to alcohol’s depressant effects by increasing brain activity to compensate. This “balance” becomes the new normal, explaining why we become more tolerant or less affected by alcohol.

Early mild symptoms such as an upset stomach, headache, and sleeplessness can start to occur during this time. The shaky feeling you have after drinking has a name–” hangover shakes.”  A lot of people have shakes and tremors when they’re hungover, but they aren’t likely to be the same for each person. This form of detox typically takes between 1-3 weeks depending on how much alcohol is present in someone’s system, and how long they’ve been drinking hazardously. One study found that a worrying 48% of respondents treated for AUD and who had seizures during detox had been through withdrawal multiple before.

While most people experience mild symptoms, severe withdrawal symptoms impact about 3-5% of people. By implementing these strategies and embracing a healthy, sober lifestyle, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of alcohol-related seizures. Remember, seeking professional help and support is crucial in overcoming alcohol abuse and maintaining long-term sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, reach out to a healthcare professional or a specialized addiction treatment center for assistance. Treating alcohol-related seizures requires addressing the underlying alcohol abuse or addiction. It’s crucial to seek support from healthcare professionals, addiction specialists, or rehabilitation centers that specialize in alcohol addiction treatment.

  • Its association with relatively lower LOS can positively influence hospital reimbursement rates and reduce the total healthcare cost per patient.
  • Prescribing a benzodiazepine for alcohol withdrawal is a popular treatment for those at risk of focal seizures, and helps many people pass their detox comfortably.
  • Symptoms such as confusion and nausea may develop suddenly, while seizures are most likely to occur in the following 1-3 days.
  • However, the chemicals in alcohol reduce our GABA production and leave our brains woefully depleted of this stabilising substance.
  • Due to this abrupt surge in electrical activity, victims will experience dramatic and noticeable symptoms, especially if they are suffering from a tonic-clonic or grand mal seizure (the most severe form).

Associated Data

Excessive alcohol consumption may cause seizures, particularly alcohol withdrawal after heavy drinking. Improperly https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ handling alcohol withdrawal seizures may cause dangerous complications and prolonged health problems. This can impact significantly on how well a person safely goes through the detoxification process. AWD requires immediate medical attention; the condition is fatal for the estimated one in 20 people who develop it. While DT is less common, its high mortality rate makes emergency care paramount.

These seizures are a result of the central nervous system’s response to the sudden absence of alcohol, which it has become dependent on. It’s important to note that not everyone who abuses alcohol will experience seizures. However, the risk is significantly higher in those who engage in heavy or chronic alcohol consumption, especially during periods of alcohol withdrawal.

Alterations in GABA levels can disrupt brain activity and precipitate seizure events. At Journey Hillside, we firmly believe that the path to lasting sobriety extends beyond mere detoxification. These symptoms can serve as warning signs that a person may be at risk of a seizure and should seek immediate medical help. The primary outcome, length of stay (LOS) in mean days ± standard deviation for each alcohol withdrawal protocol is presented. All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical software RStudio. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages, while descriptive statistics for continuous variables included mean and standard deviation.