[Alcohol and epilepsy]

Rev Prat. 1990 Feb 1;40(4):307-11.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Two kinds of epileptic events are frequently related to alcohol consumption: 1) seizures triggered by alcohol withdrawal. Often multiple, they occur within between 10 and 48 hours after discontinuing or reducing alcohol intakes and can be followed by a delirium tremens. 2) recurring unprovoked seizures. They are usually rare, 1 or 2 yearly. The risk is increased for heavy drinkers but returns to normal for ex-drinkers. Seizures related to alcoholism are usually generalized tonico clonic seizures with normal EEG and CT-scan. When partial seizures are identified they are attributed to preceding brain damage, head trauma or stroke.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking*
  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Epilepsy / etiology*
  • Ethanol / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / etiology

Substances

  • Ethanol