Seizures from Alcohol Withdrawal: How Do They Occur?

These seizures are a result of the central nervous system’s response to the sudden absence of alcohol, which it has become dependent on. Thankfully, just like other mild and severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, seizures can be dealt with as long as the individual seeks alcohol withdrawal seizure treatment. Upon physical examination, a doctor will be able to tell you if you may expect further seizures to occur or you need to take medication to prevent them in the next few days. Studies have shown that the longer a person drinks alcohol, the more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are. This phenomenon is called the kindling effect – your brain is irritated over and over again by every withdrawal you go through.

This “balance” becomes the new normal, explaining why we become more tolerant or less affected by alcohol. This tolerance is the reason why alcohol withdrawal occurs, and consequently, alcohol withdrawal seizures. In addition to therapy and counseling, medical supervision during detoxification is recommended to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

Without treatment, alcohol withdrawal seizures can progress to status epilepticus or delirium tremens, both of which are life-threatening complications. That’s why it’s important to do an alcohol detox under medical supervision at an addiction treatment center. Experts believe that the kindling phenomenon occurs because of permanent changes in the brain in people with an alcohol dependence. The only way to lower the risk of severe alcohol withdrawal seizures is to seek addiction treatment as soon as possible. Binge drinking can trigger alcohol withdrawal seizures 6-72 hours after drinking stops. An alcohol withdrawal seizure is a serious complication that can occur when someone who has been drinking heavily for an extended period suddenly reduces or stops their alcohol intake.

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You should also call 911 and get emergency medical help as soon as possible, even if the seizure has stopped. After the seizure, you should position them on their side and ensure that their airway is clear while waiting for emergency assistance. Long-term alcohol use can increase your risk of developing epilepsy, a condition where you are prone to having seizures. While the reason for this is not fully understood, alcohol does create changes in receptors in your brain that affect your likelihood of having a seizure. While epilepsy can develop on its own in people who do not use alcohol, long-term alcohol use will increase the risk of epilepsy developing in some people.

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Generalized seizures are characterized by abnormal electrical activity that affects the entire brain. During alcohol withdrawal, individuals may experience tonic-clonic seizures, commonly known as grand mal seizures. These seizures typically involve loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity, convulsions, and jerking movements. After the seizure, individuals often experience confusion, fatigue, and temporary memory loss. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe and may include anxiety, tremors, nausea, insomnia, and hallucinations.

Alcohol Withdrawal and the Risk of Seizures

• An individual could not have a seizure due to stopping taking alcohol suddenly but rather due to withdrawal from it.
• Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
• Beyond being in an alternate dimension like the characters in the show, seizures can happen for many different reasons — even ones that may seem unrelated, such as alcohol withdrawal.
• Typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea, tremors, and sweating.
• Once a tolerance is developed, the body does not respond the same way unless the amount consumed increases.
• Someone with a mild-to-moderate alcohol use disorder may have a problem with alcohol without developing significant dependence.

If you’ve gone through opioid withdrawal before, you may need to experience the kindling effects. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. 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. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) works best when combined with counseling and peer support, as part of a comprehensive approach to recovery. A personalized medication plan can help mitigate withdrawal risks, alleviate cravings and create a safer environment for therapy to be most effective.

That’s why medical detox is so important — as it provides a controlled environment where the body can adjust more gradually and safely, reducing the risks involved. From there, you may continue in residential or outpatient addiction treatment, depending on your needs. Addiction treatment often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, group and individual therapies, and therapies to address co-occurring mental health issues. Kindling is caused by the chronic use of drugs that cause GABA receptors’ downregulation. Chronic depressant use and withdrawal can cause hypersensitivity in your nervous system. It’s worth noting that opioids share many similarities with depressants, but they don’t work with GABA in the brain as alcohol does.

This disruption can contribute to various neurological complications, including the potential for seizures. Serious concerns about alcohol withdrawal and seizures may arise when people with severe drinking histories suddenly stop or reduce alcohol intake. It is important to know the link between them for early Sober living house symptoms’ identification and quick access to medical help. Experiencing seizures due to alcohol abuse can be a distressing and potentially life-threatening situation.

• As our brain adjusts, we may experience mental and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, confusion, and hallucinations.
• Upon physical examination, a doctor will be able to tell you if you may expect further seizures to occur or you need to take medication to prevent them in the next few days.
• Remember, seeking professional help and support is crucial in overcoming alcohol abuse and maintaining long-term sobriety.
• This can be dangerous, as the individual is unaware of their surroundings and therefore may injure themselves if they experience muscle spasms or uncontrolled movements.
• Detox alone may help you achieve sobriety, but that sobriety may be short-lived.
• Along with alcohol’s other effects on your heart, you could experience dangerous heart-related symptoms, such as stroke or cardiac arrest.

Drinking alcohol in small amounts generally does not trigger seizures, but seizures can result from alcohol withdrawal. This can happen after someone who has misused alcohol for a long time stops consuming it. It is possible for chronic alcohol consumption to cause seizures in people without a history of seizures. This article looks at the connection between alcohol, seizures, and epilepsy, as well as treatment options and support. If you think you may be struggling with alcoholism or have experienced an alcohol-induced seizure, it may be time to seek professional help.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, professional, and trustworthy facility to attend rehab at, look no further than Free by the Sea. Dr. Richard Crabbe joined our team in 2019 as our psychiatrist and medical director. He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002.

During a seizure, a person may experience muscle convulsions, loss of consciousness, unusual sensations, or repetitive movements. Seizures can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or can occur as a result of certain triggers, such as alcohol abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction or have experienced seizures as a result of alcohol consumption, then it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Counseling, whether individual or group therapy, can help address the underlying issues contributing to alcohol dependence and provide coping strategies. Therapists or counselors with expertise in addiction can guide individuals through the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery. They can help develop personalized strategies to prevent relapse and manage cravings.

• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the most dangerous and dramatic element of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).
• Therefore, even seemingly non-threatening alcohol withdrawal symptoms require medical attention.
• As clinically indicated and where possible, FBTS will ensure that clinical programs serving existing patients will continue until the patient’s treatment is concluded.
• Remember, seeking help is a crucial step towards managing alcohol-related seizures and achieving sobriety.
• The seizures can develop abruptly without warning, and multiple seizures can occur within a 6- to 8-hour period.

For instance, if you’ve gone through benzodiazepine withdrawal, you may experience severe withdrawal when going through alcohol withdrawal and vice versa. However, alcohol, along with other depressants, is among the most dangerous substances during the withdrawal phase, especially if you quit cold turkey. The overstimulating effects of alcohol withdrawal can lead to increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, sleeplessness, fever, hallucinations, panic, and seizures.

For individuals with co-occurring epilepsy and AUD, avoiding alcohol is critical, as it can interfere with antiseizure medications and increase seizure risk. Newer antiseizure drugs, such as ezogabine, have shown promise in clinical trials, but they may have side effects and require monitoring. While most symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are not life-threatening, nicotine may increase symptoms of depression and anxiety for some time. Symptoms may include severe agitation and confusion, fever, hallucinations, and seizures.