why does alcohol withdrawal cause seizures and what really happens in the brain

Alcohol consumption has deep roots in many cultures and societies around the world. While moderate drinking might be socially accepted and considered safe, excessive consumption leads to a myriad of problems. People addicted to alcohol struggle with physical and mental health issues, relationship conflicts, and poor performance at school or work. Quitting alcohol use is an essential step toward recovery – but it can be challenging. When a heavy drinker suddenly stops consuming alcohol, they may experience a range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, from anxiety to nausea. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal may lead to a person having a seizure.

Understanding the connection between alcohol withdrawal and seizures is crucial for long-term recovery and well-being. In our article, we will explain how alcohol affects your brain, why giving it up may result in a person having a seizure, and what steps you should take to manage withdrawal symptoms and avoid seizures. We will also answer the most common questions on this subject to provide you with the information you need to safely quit drinking.

Understanding the Connection Between Alcohol and Seizures

There is a well-documented link between chronic alcohol use and seizures as well as epilepsy. On one hand, alcohol has inhibitory effects on brain activity – it suppresses the production of excitatory neurotransmitters and increases the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. On the other hand, once a person addicted to alcohol stops consuming it, their brain is sent into disarray – the chemicals in the brain become unbalanced, which may lead to a seizure.

While people who are not diagnosed with epilepsy may suffer from a seizure during alcohol withdrawal, the dangers are even greater for individuals with this neurological disorder. Epileptics are strongly discouraged from drinking alcohol in large quantities – otherwise, they risk poor interaction between alcohol and their medication, increased side effects of the anti-seizure medicine, and withdrawal seizures once they quit drinking.

How Alcohol Affects the Brain

To properly address the adverse effects of alcohol on your brain, it is important to understand how alcohol impacts brain function:

Brain Chemistry

The brain relies on neurotransmitters – chemicals that transmit messages from nerve cells to target cells. There are two main types of neurotransmitters: inhibitory (they impede the brain function) and excitatory (they stimulate the brain function). Alcohol increases the production of the former and decreases the production of the latter, which means it slows down the brain function.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Alcohol alters two main neurotransmitters – GABA and glutamate. It enhances the effects of GABA, reducing brain activity, and blocks glutamate, making it difficult for a person to think and move. People may feel calm and relaxed after they drink because of the increased GABA levels, but this temporary feeling will be followed by withdrawal discomfort when the brain starts to adapt to the changes.

Impact on Brain Function

Even short-term alcohol consumption will affect the brain – you may have felt your judgment was impaired after a few drinks. Alcohol is known to interfere with a person’s mood, memory, and coordination. Prolonged drinking, however, is much more dangerous – it can damage the frontal lobes of the brain responsible for vital cognitive skills such as emotional expression, problem-solving, and language.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

When a person decides to give up alcohol, they should be prepared for the withdrawal symptoms that may accompany this decision. Here are the most common signs of alcohol withdrawal you may experience:

Mild Symptoms

After a few hours of quitting drinking, a person may start feeling agitated and anxious. It is not uncommon to struggle to fall asleep and suffer from a headache and an upset stomach when you drastically reduce your alcohol intake.

Moderate Symptoms

In addition to trembling (also known as “the shakes”), a person may have higher blood pressure and an increased heart rate. These symptoms usually show up within 12 hours of the last drink.

Severe Symptoms

In some cases, alcohol withdrawal may lead to a medical emergency. If you or a person in your care is hallucinating, confused, disoriented, and has a seizure, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. A seizure is a rare symptom of alcohol withdrawal, but it typically occurs within the first 48 hours of abstaining from drinking.

Risk Factors for Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures

Several factors may increase the risk of a seizure during alcohol withdrawal:

Chronic Alcohol Consumption

If a person has been drinking for a long time and suddenly stops consuming alcohol, their brain function will be severely impacted, leading to a potential seizure.

Previous History of Seizures

A person who was diagnosed with epilepsy or has had a seizure in the past is more likely to have a seizure during alcohol withdrawal.

Existing Medical Conditions

People with brain injuries and disorders, as well as individuals who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, should be careful when they decide to quit drinking – it may be advisable to come up with a withdrawal plan together with a healthcare provider.

Preventing and Treating Alcohol Withdrawal

What can you do to lower the risk of seizures and manage alcohol withdrawal? Here are a few tips to follow:

Gradual Reduction of Alcohol Intake

Instead of giving up alcohol at once, slowly decrease the number of drinks you have. This will help your brain to adjust to the changes and alleviate the withdrawal symptoms.

Medical Supervision During Withdrawal

It is advisable to talk to a doctor before you quit drinking. Let a medical professional analyze your unique circumstances and come up with a personalized treatment plan suitable for your needs. You may also enlist the help of a therapist to address the addiction.

Medications and Therapies for Seizure Prevention

Your doctor may prescribe you medication to control or completely prevent seizures. Benzodiazepines, for example, are known for their effectiveness when it comes to reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. You may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy and join a support group in your area.

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