Can Alcohol Withdrawal Cause Seizures?

Alcohol withdrawal is a physically and mentally challenging process. For many, it often comes with symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, sweating, and fatigue. However, alcohol withdrawal can also lead to more severe symptoms, including seizures. Alcohol withdrawal seizures are a sign of intense detox and should be taken seriously, including seeking medical attention. 

Massachusetts Center for Addiction offers comprehensive treatment for alcohol addiction and can help you or your loved one receive the alcohol withdrawal treatment needed. Let’s take a closer look at the process of alcohol withdrawal, what causes seizures, and how to identify and manage the risk factors. 

Alcohol Withdrawal Explained 

For someone who drinks alcohol to the level that they develop a dependency, suddenly stopping isn’t easy. When alcohol consumption comes to a halt, the body enters a state of withdrawal. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, and over time, excessive consumption causes the nervous system to adapt. Alcohol addiction can also alter brain chemistry, especially affecting neurotransmitters that help to regulate nerve activity. 

During withdrawal, the brain compensates for the absence of alcohol by becoming hyperactive. This can lead to a number of withdrawal symptoms. For some, symptoms are less severe and include headache, fatigue, and irritability. For others, withdrawal from alcohol can lead to severe symptoms, such as delirium tremens, including seizures. 

Alcohol Withdrawal and Seizures: What Happens to the Brain?

Someone who has been living with a severe alcohol use disorder for a long period of time is at a greater risk of experiencing delirium tremens, which may also include seizures. Delirium tremens is a very serious form of alcohol withdrawal. Not everyone with a severe alcohol use disorder will experience this level of severity with their detox. However, about 5% – 10% of individuals will, making it extremely important to detox from alcohol in a facility that is equipped to assist with the mental and physical effects of severe withdrawal. 

Along with other symptoms such as agitation, confusion, trembling, tachycardia, hallucinations, and impaired consciousness, delirium tremens may also present with seizures. This is caused by the hyperactivity of brain activity during alcohol detox, as there is a surge in excitatory neurotransmitters. The brain chemistry and activity become imbalanced, which can lead to seizures. 

Recognizing Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures 

Seizures from alcohol withdrawal will typically occur within 12 to 46 hours after the person has last consumed alcohol. Seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal are not the same as those associated with other medical conditions, like epilepsy. Once detox is complete, the risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures disappears. However, for some people, detox from alcohol can last longer, with some symptoms lingering for up to ten or more days. 

Seizures can come on suddenly, stressing the importance of going through alcohol withdrawal in a medically supervised setting. Alcohol withdrawal seizures can vary in intensity and frequency but can be prevented and managed with medication. 

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal seizures include:

• Uncontrollable shaking or sudden convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Muscle stiffness
• Jerking movements
• Breathing irregularities or difficulty breathing 
• Confusion and disorientation 

Risk Factors for Alcohol-Induced Seizures 

It’s not possible to predict with reliable accuracy who will experience alcohol withdrawal seizures. Not everyone who goes through alcohol detox will experience delirium tremens and seizures. 

In fact, the overwhelming majority of individuals won’t. However, the risk is there and the possibility exists. There are some factors that often increase a person’s risk of seizures during detox. Identifying these risk factors is important for seeking help and detoxing in the safest way possible. 

Risk factors for alcohol-induced seizures include: 

• History of heavy drinking or prolonged daily drinking 
• A history of alcohol withdrawal-related seizures 
• Previous head injuries 
• A history of epilepsy/seizure disorders 
• Co-occurring use of other addictive substances 
• Abrupt cessation of drinking 

Do Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures Require Medical Management

Alcohol withdrawal seizures are considered a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. Anyone who has attempted to withdraw on their own should have a trusted person with them that can help the person get medical attention, and call 911 if needed. 

In extreme cases, alcohol withdrawal can be potentially life-threatening. Those who experience delirium tremens, which seizures are a symptom of, are at the greatest risk of severe medical consequences and risk to their safety. 

At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we cannot stress enough the importance of going through alcohol withdrawal in a medical setting or inpatient addiction treatment center that is equipped to manage severe withdrawal symptoms. 

Medical detox from alcohol in a clinical setting can offer:

• Medication management: Medications are available to lessen the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This includes medications that calm the nervous system, reducing the risk of seizures. 
• Monitoring: Medical and mental health professionals are available to continuously monitor the individual during the withdrawal process. Early signs of physical or mental distress can be quickly identified and treated to reduce the risk of serious complications. 
• Controlled Environment: It’s important to go through alcohol withdrawal in an environment that feels safe and comfortable, without the unknowns of going through detox on your own.

If you’re looking for more information about alcohol withdrawal and the effects, we recommend visiting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website as a resource. 

Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction in Massachusetts 

Alcohol withdrawal is a serious process that should not be underestimated or not taken seriously. This is especially true when considering the risk of alcohol withdrawal and seizures. Understanding these risks and how severe detox can be is important for ensuring safety during detox and completing the process successfully. 

At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we are committed to helping individuals like you or your loved one overcome alcohol addiction. We encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about detox, the risk of alcohol-induced seizures, and what the road to recovery looks like for you. Contact us today at 844-486-0671.