What effect does alcohol have on seizures?
In small to moderate amounts, alcohol actually has properties to counteract seizures, but it should never be consumed in the hope of controlling seizures. Alcohol does not often provoke seizures while the person is drinking but it may cause “withdrawal” seizures 6 to 72 hours later, after drinking has stopped. Withdrawal seizures are most common among persons who have abused alcohol for years. When alcohol consumption is stopped suddenly or is markedly reduced over a short period of time, a seizure may occur. This is an example of provoked seizures rather than true epilepsy. Long-standing alcohol abuse can increase a person’s risk of developing epilepsy. Many persons with epilepsy are at a markedly increased risk of seizures after consuming three or more alcoholic beverages. Research indicates that adults with epilepsy may have one or two alcoholic beverages a day without any worsening of their seizures or changes in the blood levels of their antiepileptic medications. Moderate to heav
