Drinking brings pleasure to the body because of its effect on the nervous system. Unfortunately, alcoholism can have serious and unwanted affects on the nervous system that can lead to seizure. These seizures can happen while the person is drinking, or they may happen days after the last drink. Seizures associated with alcohol are self-limiting, which means they stop by themselves after a certain amount of time, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, but these seizures can be fatal.
Tonic-Clonic
Seizures associated with alcohol are usually tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, according to MedlinePlus. These seizures can involve the entire body, causing rigidity, violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. This type of seizure is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Rum Fits
A person may have a seizure if she drinks substantially more than her usual amount. These are commonly called "rum fits." Anyone who drinks alcohol can have a rum fit, even if that person is not an epileptic.
Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure
An estimated two million Americans suffer seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal, according to the American Epilepsy Society. An alcoholic who quits drinking suddenly may experience a seizure 24 to 48 hours after he has his last drink. It is very important that an alcoholic does not suddenly stop drinking without medical supervision as these seizures can be quite serious.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens is a medical condition often called "DTs" which describes a condition alcoholics may experience approximately two to four days after their last drink. DTs develop in up to 5 percent of alcoholic patients. Symptoms of DTs include delirium or confusion, profuse sweating, fast heart beat and high blood pressure. The patient may experience a rapid series of seizures. DTs are a life-threatening condition, and the patient may die if not treated quickly and aggressively, often in the hospital's intensive care unit.
Treatments
Treatments are usually aimed at preventing seizures by hydrating the patient with IV solutions and administering medications to calm her. Sedatives may include benzodiazepines, like Lorazepam and Librium, according to Merck Manuals. Long-term epilepsy medicines are not needed because these seizures are not caused by epilepsy, although alcohol consumption may induce seizures in someone with epilepsy.
First Aid
Contrary to common belief, never put anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Prevent injury by placing something soft under the patient's head and move anything she may hurt herself on, like nearby furniture. Loosen clothing, especially around the throat. Turn the patient on her side to allow fluids to drain from her nose and mouth, if necessary. Stay with the patient until the seizure ends.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alcoholism - Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal
- MedlinePlus: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Free Medical Dictionary: Rum Fits
- American Epilepsy Society: Update on the Neurobiology of Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
- Merck Manuals: Seizure Disorders
- Epilepsy Foundation: Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures
