The brain contains billions of neurons that must communicate among each other and with the nerves throughout the body in order to control all bodily functions. Chemical substances, known as neurotransmitters, carry the signals between neurons. Without neurotransmitters, the brain would cease to function. When the levels of certain neurotransmitters become too high or too low, often due to the influence of other substances in the blood, the signals in the brain become disrupted and can lead to a seizure, a condition of brain dysfunction.
Low Blood Sugar
The cells of the body require glucose, the form of sugar in the blood, in order to function. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body and the only source of energy for the brain. In fact, because brain cells function continually conducting electrical impulses and producing neurotransmitters, they need twice as much energy as other types of cells, according to the Franklin Institute.
The digestive system breaks down ingested food into smaller particles the body can absorb, converting much of it into glucose. As glucose levels rise in the blood, the pancreas increases the production of insulin. Insulin helps glucose gain entry into cells so they can utilize the energy. Cells can also store glucose in the form of glucagon to use when glucose levels fall.
Although neurons in the brain use glucose at a high rate, using approximately 25 percent of the total body glucose according to the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, neurons cannot store energy. Therefore a severe drop in blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia, can disrupt normal brain functioning and electrical impulses, therefore resulting in a seizure.
Low GABA Levels
The brain contains many different types of neurotransmitters, some of which function to enhance the electrical signals while others function to inhibit the activity of other neurotransmitters. GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, functions to decrease the effect of other neurotransmitters therefore helping to control brain excitability. Normal levels of GABA help to control the speed and intensity of brain communication. When levels drop, brain signaling can get out of control and lead to a seizure.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, excites the brain at low concentrations and causes intoxication characterized by drowsiness, slurred speech and coma at high concentrations. Prolonged use of alcohol modifies the functionality of several neurotransmitters in the brain and causes both tolerance and physical dependence.
Prolonged use of alcohol artificially increases the levels of GABA in the brain and downregulates GABA receptors. Abruptly ceasing to intake alcohol unmasks these changes within the brain leading to alcohol withdrawal syndrome, a condition that affects approximately two million Americans each year, according to according to a study published by Dr. Rogawski in the 2005 issue of "Epilepsy Currents." The sudden drop in GABA levels leads to the onset of a seizure, the most dangerous symptom of alcohol withdrawal, occurs in about one-third of alcohol withdrawal cases, as described in "Epilepsy Currents."
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