Alcohol and Seizures: Can Drinking Cause Seizures?

Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health and increase the risk of seizures, especially if you have a seizure disorder. 

Seizures are a concerning and often dangerous medical event characterized by sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. While some people think of epilepsy as the primary cause of seizures, alcohol use can also trigger these episodes under certain conditions. Whether they occur during periods of excessive drinking or as a result of withdrawal, alcohol-induced seizures can pose a serious threat to a person’s health and well-being. Understanding how alcohol interacts with the brain and the types of seizures it can provoke is crucial in knowing how to prevent them and when to seek help. Below, we discuss the connection between alcohol and seizures and explore important steps that can be taken for prevention and treatment.

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Can Alcohol Cause Seizures?

Alcohol has a complex effect on the brain. It primarily works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces overall brain activity and promotes relaxation and sedation. At the same time, alcohol suppresses another neurotransmitter called glutamate, which is generally responsible for exciting neurons. Together, these two actions can slow down brain function.

Over time, however, the brain adapts to these alcohol-induced changes. When someone consumes alcohol heavily and regularly, the brain adjusts by altering its production and response to GABA and glutamate. If that same person suddenly reduces or stops their alcohol use, the brain can be thrown off balance. Because it has grown accustomed to higher levels of a depressant (alcohol), the rebound effect can be an overactive, hyper-excitable state. In some cases, this hyperactivity manifests as withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, anxiety, and, in severe situations, seizures.

In short, yes — alcohol can cause seizures. The most common scenarios involve alcohol withdrawal or, in some instances, acute overconsumption (binge drinking). It’s important to note that while not everyone who drinks heavily will experience a seizure, the risk does increase with certain patterns of use, existing medical conditions and the body’s individual response.

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What Do Alcohol-Induced Seizures Look Like?

Alcohol-induced seizures usually present similarly to generalized tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures). A tonic-clonic seizure involves two primary phases:

1. Tonic phase: The body becomes rigid, muscles tighten, and the person often loses consciousness. This phase can last several seconds.
2. Clonic phase: Muscles begin to jerk and spasm rhythmically. This phase can last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

During a tonic-clonic seizure, it is common to see:

• Stiffening of the limbs
• Shaking or jerking movements
• Loss of consciousness
• Possible loss of bladder or bowel control
• Confusion, disorientation or fatigue once the seizure subsides

Some people experience warning signs (known as auras) before a seizure, such as dizziness, visual changes or abnormal smells. However, in the case of alcohol-induced seizures, these auras may not always be apparent.

If you or someone around you experiences a seizure, it is critical to seek medical attention, especially if it lasts longer than five minutes, occurs repeatedly or involves an injury.

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What Are the Types of Alcohol-Induced Seizures?

Though seizures related to alcohol often share similar characteristics, various scenarios can lead to or increase the risk of seizure activity. Below are the main types of alcohol-induced seizures and the circumstances under which they happen.

Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures

Alcohol withdrawal seizures typically occur within 12 to 48 hours after a person significantly reduces or stops drinking, especially if they have a history of chronic heavy alcohol use. The abrupt lack of alcohol in the system causes the brain to become overly excitable. This is due in large part to the way chronic drinking changes the balance of neurotransmitters, setting the stage for withdrawal seizures.

While a single seizure can happen, it is not uncommon for someone to experience multiple seizures in a short amount of time (a series of seizures). This period is one of the most critical parts of withdrawal, and medical supervision is highly recommended to help manage symptoms safely.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Seizures

Although seizures are most commonly linked to alcohol withdrawal, excessive alcohol consumption itself can sometimes trigger seizure-like activity. Rapid binge drinking can lead to electrolyte imbalances, severe dehydration and drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). All these factors increase the risk of a seizure.

However, these types of seizures are less common than withdrawal seizures and often occur in people who already have another predisposition to seizures (for instance, epilepsy or an existing neurological condition). Still, it’s important to understand that high blood alcohol levels can exacerbate underlying seizure disorders.

Hangover Seizures

Hangover seizures represent a less common category. While a hangover is typically characterized by headache, nausea, fatigue and dehydration, some individuals may be more vulnerable to seizures during a hangover phase. A significant reason is that once blood alcohol concentration drops after heavy drinking, the neurological rebound effect can still be in play.

Additionally, the severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that sometimes occur during a hangover can trigger brain hyperexcitability. This is another reason why people with a history of seizures or those susceptible to them should be cautious with alcohol consumption.

Delirium Tremens and Seizures

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that occurs in a small percentage of individuals who abruptly stop or drastically reduce their alcohol intake after a period of heavy drinking. DTs typically emerge 48 to 72 hours (and sometimes as long as 10 days) after the last drink. This condition is characterized by:

• Profound confusion
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Severe agitation
• Rapid heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Sweating

Seizures can also occur during delirium tremens and are considered a medical emergency. DTs carry a higher risk of complications, including death, if not properly managed. Medical professionals often treat delirium tremens with benzodiazepines and other supportive measures to stabilize vital signs and minimize the likelihood of seizures.

Alcohol-Related Epilepsy

Chronic long-term alcohol misuse can also lead to alcohol-related epilepsy. Epilepsy is typically defined as a disorder in which a person has recurrent seizures that are not triggered solely by a temporary underlying cause. While acute withdrawal seizures can occur even in people without epilepsy, those who develop alcohol-related epilepsy experience seizures that may happen regardless of active drinking or abstinence, although they can be influenced by alcohol intake and withdrawal states.

The relationship between epilepsy and alcohol is complex. Heavy drinking over many years can damage the brain, alter neurotransmission and potentially contribute to the development of a chronic seizure disorder. Furthermore, people with epilepsy who also misuse alcohol often have worse outcomes because alcohol can interfere with seizure medications and disrupt sleep — a critical factor for maintaining seizure control.

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Can Alcohol Seizures Lead to Brain Damage?

One of the most pressing concerns around seizures, regardless of cause, is the potential for permanent brain damage. A single brief seizure usually does not result in long-lasting harm. The brain is resilient, and most seizures end within one to two minutes. However, several factors can contribute to an increased risk of brain injury in people who experience frequent or severe alcohol-induced seizures:

• Status Epilepticus: This is a condition in which a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or where seizures occur so closely together that a person does not recover in between. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent neuronal damage if not treated immediately. If alcohol withdrawal seizures progress to status epilepticus, the risk of brain damage significantly increases.
• Repeated Seizures: Ongoing or recurrent seizures can also lead to cumulative brain stress over time. Chronic alcohol misuse can weaken overall health and make it more difficult for the brain to recover from repeated episodes of abnormal electrical activity.
• Underlying Nutritional Deficiencies: People who struggle with alcohol use disorders often have nutritional deficiencies (e.g., thiamine, magnesium) that can worsen neurological functioning. Severe vitamin deficiencies can harm the brain’s ability to recover from seizures, putting individuals at higher risk for lasting damage.
• Indirect Causes: Seizures significantly increase the risk of accidents, falls and head injuries. A traumatic brain injury from a fall during a seizure can lead to serious neurological complications.

It is worth noting that while alcohol-induced seizures can contribute to brain damage, the level of risk varies by individual. Some may experience minimal long-term harm, while others, especially those who undergo frequent withdrawal episodes or are otherwise in poor health, face a higher likelihood of lasting damage.

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How to Prevent an Alcohol Seizure

Preventing alcohol-induced seizures starts with a commitment to overall well-being and harm reduction. Here are several steps you can take to lower your risk:

1. Seek Professional Guidance When Cutting Back: If you have been drinking heavily, it’s essential to talk with a healthcare provider before quitting alcohol abruptly. Detoxing under medical supervision, especially in a rehab or hospital setting, can help manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures. Medications such as benzodiazepines are commonly used to help safely reduce withdrawal severity.
2. Adopt a Gradual Reduction Strategy: In certain cases, healthcare providers may recommend a controlled taper, where you gradually decrease alcohol consumption rather than stopping all at once. This approach reduces the likelihood of severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
3. Stay Hydrated and Maintain Electrolyte Balance: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are risk factors for seizures. Drinking water and replenishing electrolytes, especially after episodes of excessive drinking, can help stabilize the body’s chemistry.
4. Avoid Binge Drinking: While complete sobriety is often the best option for those with chronic alcohol misuse, if you do choose to drink, avoid binge drinking. Spreading out alcohol intake and understanding your limits may reduce some of the risks associated with sudden spikes or drops in blood alcohol level.
5. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to low blood sugar, which can be a seizure trigger. Eating balanced meals and snacks, especially ones rich in complex carbohydrates and proteins, helps maintain stable glucose levels.
6. Address Underlying Health Conditions: If you have existing conditions like epilepsy or diabetes, it is crucial to keep them well-managed. Follow your doctor’s guidance, take prescribed medications consistently and attend regular checkups. Properly managing these conditions may lower your risk of seizures.
7. Seek Comprehensive Treatment for Alcohol Misuse: The most effective strategy to prevent alcohol-induced seizures is to address the root cause: problematic drinking. Enrolling in a comprehensive treatment program can provide medical support, therapeutic guidance and aftercare resources to help you maintain sobriety or healthier drinking habits. Programs often include counseling, support groups, relapse prevention techniques and medication management to ensure safe and sustainable recovery.

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Treatment Options for Alcohol-Related Seizures

If someone has an alcohol-related seizure, call 911 and stay with them until help arrives. You may need to provide first aid if they injure themselves during the seizure or have any complications during or after the seizure.

In the long-term treatment, stopping alcohol is often necessary to avoid future alcohol-related seizures. This typically involves getting professional help from a medical detox or rehab facility like The Recovery Village Kansas City. If you have had alcohol-related seizures or think you are at risk for them, we encourage you to contact us to learn how we can help you start your journey to lasting recovery today.