How do alcohol related seizures occur?
• Alcohol withdrawal – When a chronic drinker or alcoholic stops drinking. These mostly occur within the first 36 hours of stopping drinking. If these seizures occur often, and the alcohol abuse is over a long period of time (years) then degeneration of the brain may occur, leading to epilepsy and chronic seizures. • Alcohol toxicity – When someone has ingested large amounts of alcohol and the concentration in the bloodstream is poisonous to the body. • Excessive fluid and metabolic changes in the body – Drinking large amounts of alcohol will create an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body and has a dehydrating effect. • Trauma – Head injuries that may occur from accidents or falls while drunk. • Vitamin or nutritional deficiencies – Chronic alcohol abuse will prevent the absorption of vitamins and is often associated with poor diet. How do alcohol and anti-epileptic medication mix? People taking medications for epilepsy are likely to be more sensitive to the effects of alco
