Seizures

Alcohol withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures when an adapted nervous system becomes suddenly hyperexcitable.

A seizure is a temporary disturbance in brain activity that can change awareness, movement, sensation or behaviour. Some involve falling and convulsions. Others are less obvious. Having a seizure does not automatically mean someone has epilepsy.

Alcohol withdrawal is one possible cause, particularly after a substantial reduction in drinking when physical dependence has developed. Toxic effects of drugs or medicines, head injury and other neurological or medical conditions can also be involved. A person's drinking history does not establish the cause of a new seizure.

If someone is having a first or unexplained seizure, get emergency medical help. A seizure during possible withdrawal, after suspected poisoning or following a recent head injury also needs emergency medical help. Continuing convulsions, repeated seizures without recovery, difficulty breathing or failure to wake require emergency help.

Someone who may be physically dependent on alcohol should seek medical advice before abruptly stopping or sharply reducing drinking. Previous withdrawal seizures are important information for that assessment, even if the person currently feels relatively well.

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