The synthesis of current research continues to inform medical understanding of the relationship epilepsy and alcohol between alcohol consumption and seizure activity. Ongoing studies are expected to provide further insights into this complex interaction. The amount of alcohol intake before alcohol-related seizures was at least 7 standard drinks, or the equivalent of 1.4 liters of beer or 700 milliliters of wine.
If someone is having a seizure, the important thing is to know that a seizure is occurring, not to identify the specific seizure type. Seizures are often thought of as convulsions that randomly strike; however, convulsions are actually a symptom of seizures. Seizures themselves are a type of brain function change in which the neurons in your brain stop firing in the patterns they are supposed to and begin all firing together. The relationship between alcohol use/abuse and degeneration of the brain is a contentious issue. If you have epilepsy, consult your physician for more information on the approach to alcohol that is right for you.
By taking a personalized approach and prioritizing their well-being, individuals with epilepsy can navigate alcohol consumption in a manner that aligns with their overall epilepsy management plan. The data collection on alcohol use was part of a research project systematically gathering information on nicotine, alcohol, and illicit drug use in epilepsy patients within the last 12 months. The data was collected by a standardized questionnaire (see Supplementary Material). Only subjects ≥18 years who had suffered from epilepsy for at least 1 year were included. Epilepsy types and seizures were classified according to the International League Against Epilepsy (16). Throughout this article, we have explored the relationship between epilepsy and alcohol, shedding light on the risks and effects that individuals with epilepsy may face.
- However, it is recommended to understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions to minimize them.
- Another misconception involves how individuals with epilepsy are perceived in social settings.
- Before you start treatment with Aptiom, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take.
- Alcohol affects the electrical activity in the brain, increasing the risk of seizures.
Making Informed Decisions
Electroencephalogram (EEG) tests show brain activity remains the same, as long as the amount of alcohol ingested is small. In patients with generalized genetic epilepsy, seizures commonly manifest within 30 min after awakening. A transcranial magnetic stimulation study on patients with genetic generalized epilepsy demonstrated that motor cortex excitability was significantly increased in the early morning (24). In multivariate analysis, alcohol consumption within the last 12 months was independently related to AED monotherapy. It is highly likely that subjects with well-controlled epilepsies on monotherapy are more likely to consume alcoholic beverages than those with difficult-to-treat variants.
Mental Health Implications
According to a 2017 article, alcohol withdrawal seizures in those without epilepsy may occur 6–48 hours after a person consumes their last alcoholic drink. Sometimes drinking alcohol can make you less likely to get a good night’s rest and contribute to fatigue. It can also potentially cause you to forget to take your epilepsy medication, increasing your likelihood of having seizures. Moderate to high alcohol consumption has also been found to increase the risk¹ of seizure, even in those who are not epileptic.
This is when you drink a lot of alcohol in a short amount of time or drink continually for many hours. Withdrawing (stopping drinking) from alcohol causes people’s brains to become more excitable. This means that some people who do not actually have epilepsy may also experience seizures when they stop drinking.
Environmental Factors and Epilepsy
Alcohol consumption can have significant effects on the brain, and these effects can be particularly impactful for individuals with epilepsy. Understanding how alcohol affects the brain is crucial in assessing the potential risks for individuals with epilepsy and their seizure risk. Human and animal data have shown that acute alcohol intake has a biphasic effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Initially, the inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic effect of alcohol exerts CNS depressant and anticonvulsant properties (4, 5). In the post-alcohol state, however, when alcohol blood levels decline, neuronal excitability is increased which may facilitate the occurrence of seizures in patients with epilepsy (6, 7). For people with epilepsy, alcohol may interfere with anti-seizure medications and increase the risk of seizures.
Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Someone at risk for epilepsy should avoid potential triggers that may cause a seizure and avoid activities that could be dangerous if a seizure occurred while they were engaged in it. Activities like driving, for example, should be avoided unless you are specifically cleared by your doctor. Epilepsy is typically treated using medications that increase the brain’s seizure threshold. Surgery or neurological stimulators can be used in some situations to help prevent epileptic seizures. 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).
Treatment and management
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. There seems to be no increased risk for epilepsy in persons who drink less than 50 grams (about two drinks) of alcohol daily. There is a 15- to 20-fold increase in risk of seizures for persons who drink 200 grams of alcohol or more on a daily basis. There is a 15- to 20-fold increase in the risk of seizures for persons who drink 200 grams of alcohol or more on a daily basis.
This means that drinking alcohol during Aptiom treatment may increase the risk of liver problems. Sometimes alcohol consumption and some epileptic seizure drugs can have similar effects, so consuming both simultaneously can potentially cause serious problems. At the very least, it can be very uncomfortable to deal with the effects of both. Epilepsy and alcohol dependence are both diagnosed using completely separate approaches.
You may choose to try a drink or two of alcohol in a controlled environment to find out if it triggers seizures, or you may decide drinking is not worth the risk of having a seizure at all. It’s important to discuss drinking with your doctor, especially as it relates to any medication you may be taking. When seizures do happen as a result of alcohol, they occur within six to 72 hours after drinking.
Alcohol withdrawal significantly lowers your seizure threshold, with the risk of seizures being highest at the peak of withdrawal. Someone with epilepsy generally has a lower seizure threshold than the average person. It is important to note that some people with epilepsy may be able to drink light or moderate amounts of alcohol safely. It is vital, however, that they clear alcohol use with their doctor before changing their drinking habits or whenever their medications are changed. If a patient wishes to regain their licence, s/he must complete a recognized rehabilitation program for substance dependence and remain sober and and seizure-free for 12 months.
Alcohol-related seizures
This involves medical supervision, monitoring of vital signs, and the administration of appropriate medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. Remember, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best approach and make informed decisions that align with personal circumstances and needs. It’s important to note that not all individuals with epilepsy should completely abstain from alcohol. However, it is recommended to understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions to minimize them. Open communication with healthcare professionals is key to ensuring a safe and informed approach when it comes to alcohol consumption for individuals with epilepsy. It’s important for individuals with epilepsy to be aware of their personal triggers and understand how alcohol consumption may affect their condition.
The researchers also found that the risk of epilepsy increased as alcohol consumption increased. According to the researchers, these results are consistent with previous studies. Drinking alcohol is not strictly forbidden for those with epilepsy, but there are many key pieces of advice to be aware of before drinking.
