Alcohol Induced Epilepsy Seizures: Risks and Recommendations

These seizures may cause people to have unusual sensations or emotions, behave in unexpected ways, or experience convulsions or loss of consciousness. Some people seem to be more prone to having seizures during alcohol withdrawal. It doesn’t necessarily mean they will go on to develop epilepsy, which is where you have two or more unprovoked seizures.

How much alcohol can you drink with chronic kidney disease?

People who drink large amounts of alcohol and suddenly stop are at a higher-than-usual risk of seizures. About 5 percent of people detoxing from alcohol abuse will have alcohol withdrawal seizures as part of the process of quitting drinking. This can happen whether or not a person has epilepsy at the time of the withdrawal. However, people with epilepsy may be more likely to have seizures while going through alcohol withdrawal. The prevalence of alcohol use in individuals with epilepsy is noteworthy.

Identifying Seizure Types

If you have a seizure after drinking alcohol, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, ensure you are in a safe environment and that someone is present to help, if necessary. It is also important to take note of any symptoms or changes in behavior that may have occurred prior to the seizure. However, it’s key to keep in mind that it’s usually the alcohol withdrawal that triggers seizures in epileptic patients rather than the alcohol itself.

• Some cannabis-based products are available to buy over the internet, without a prescription.
• What people shouldn’t be doing is justifying their drinking because it’s supposed to be healthy, says Luis Seija, an internist and pediatrician at the University of Pennsylvania.
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• Recognizing your aura can also help you take action to avoid dangerous situations, such as falls, during a seizure.
• If your medication allows drinking, only drink a few drinks, and make sure to drink slowly.
• Additionally, drinking sparkling water with a splash of juice or sugar-free soda can provide a refreshing option.

What to Know About Epilepsy Seizures and Alcohol

It’s important to be aware that uncontrolled alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, and there is a risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. You may be able to drink in moderation while taking seizure medication; however, you should always check with your doctor before trying this. Alcohol can definitely affect your seizure medicine, and these medications can make alcohol have a greater impact when you use it. It is never safe to combine seizure medicines and alcohol without can someone with epilepsy drink alcohol first talking to your doctor. Diagnosing alcohol dependence is done by observing whether withdrawal symptoms occur when you stop using alcohol. It is important to note that alcohol dependence is different from alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder (AUD).

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• Francisco Church is a rehabilitation specialist and the chief editor of Recovery Ranger.
• In one small study from 2018, people with epilepsy who reported seizures after drinking had consumed seven or more standard-sized drinks before their seizures occurred.
• Finally, avoid drinking in situations where you may be at risk of injury or harm.
• Of course, it is lower risk – and better for your general health – to avoid alcohol altogether.
• People who drink large amounts of alcohol and suddenly stop are at a higher-than-usual risk of seizures.
• Binge drinking increases the magnitude of this drop, increasing the likelihood that a seizure will occur.
• They can advise you on what is safe for you and if there could be interactions.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Doctors often recommend that people with CKD limit their alcohol consumption. You can expect to hear about more research, debate, and controversy in the near future regarding the potential risks and benefits of drinking, and how much — if any — is ideal. The definitions for a drink in the US are the common serving sizes for beer (12 ounces), wine (5 ounces), or distilled spirits/hard liquor (1.5 ounces). For millions of people, it’s a regular part of the dining experience, social and sports events, celebrations, and milestones.

Your doctor can tell you how alcohol may interact with your medications. This article is designed to guide those wondering about alcohol and epilepsy, but professional medical advice is vital before you or your loved ones make any decisions regarding your health. On MyEpilepsyTeam, the social network and online support group for people with epilepsy and their loved ones, members have discussed alcohol, epilepsy, and seizure triggers. Epilepsy is defined as a spectrum of disorders that involve the central nervous system (brain and spine). The seizures that occur in epilepsy are caused by abnormal brain activity.

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Alcohol increases your seizure threshold while it is in your bloodstream. As it wears off, however, your seizure threshold falls, often dropping lower than it was initially. Binge drinking increases the magnitude of this drop, increasing the likelihood that a seizure will occur. On the other hand, drinking in moderation (about one drink per day for women and two for men, respectively) poses a small risk for the average person, Rimm says. In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer as to whether or not epileptics can drink alcohol, it is important to consider the potential risks involved.