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Alcoholic epilepsy is a complication of the withdrawal syndrome. Alcoholic epilepsy only occurs in alcoholics who have stopped drinking or drastically reduced the amount of alcohol they consume. What are the causes and symptoms of alcoholic epilepsy? How is the treatment of alcoholics struggling with this disease? What is first aid for alcohol epilepsy?
Alcoholic epilepsy , also known as 'convulsive withdrawal attacks', is a disease in which seizures occur some time after you stop drinking or when your blood alcohol level drops.
Research shows that alcoholic epilepsy affects about 5-25 percent of people with advanced alcoholism. It has also been proven that long-term alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing symptoms of late epilepsy.
Alcoholic epilepsy - causes
Alcoholic epilepsy is not epilepsy in the strict sense of the word, as it does not result from disturbances in the biochemistry of the brain. The cause of alcoholic epilepsy is when you suddenly stop drinking alcohol or significantly reduce alcohol consumption. How does alcohol withdrawal contribute to the onset of seizures?
Alcohol increases the seizure threshold - when you drink it for a long time and in large amounts, the body gets used to its action in this area. Abrupt withdrawal or restriction of alcohol consumption causes the seizure threshold to drop sharply, which may result in seizures similar to the seizures that occur during sobriety.
It is believed that alcoholic epilepsy may also be the result of electrolyte disturbances (including a decrease in magnesium levels), neurotransmitter disorders, calcium channel dysfunction or excessive brain hydration, as well as organic brain damage caused by alcohol.
Alcoholic epilepsy - symptoms
The seizures of alcoholic epilepsyare similar to the seizures typical of ordinary epilepsy - there are large generalized seizures (so-called grand mal). The alcoholic may become unconscious, get cramps in the muscles of the legs and arms, and facial tension. In addition, symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, sweating and sleep disturbances are also seen to help diagnose alcoholic epilepsy.acceleration of heart rate and jumps in blood pressure.
The sick person may be hyperactive or, conversely, fearful. A characteristic feature is the appearance of these symptoms after 48-72. hours after the blood alcohol concentration has fallen, and up to 1 week after stopping alcohol consumption.Abstinence seizuresresolve on their own within a week and will not reappear as long as the alcohol addict persists in abstinence or reduces the amount of alcohol they drink.
Alcoholic epilepsy - treatment
Treatment of alcoholic epilepsyconsists in detoxifying the body of alcoholic toxins and metabolites and restoring the electrolyte balance. Your doctor may also decide to give you anticonvulsants and anti-epileptics. Unfortunately, they are not as effective as with other types of epilepsy. In addition, they can lead to the development of another addiction - drug addiction.
This will be useful to youAlcoholic epilepsy - first aid
When alcoholic epilepsy occurs, it is not always known whether this is the type of epilepsy. Therefore, follow the same steps as for normal epilepsy.
First of all, protect the victim's head against injuries and, if necessary, open the oral cavity. However, you should not put any objects in the mouth of the sick person! The seizure usually lasts from a few seconds to several minutes.
If the patient regains consciousness after a seizure and recovers quickly, there is no need to call an ambulance.