What does seizure feel like with alcohol use disorder?

A person may sense anxiety, shaking, sweating, nausea, or unusual sensations before awareness changes, although there may be no warning. During a convulsive seizure, the body can stiffen and jerk, breathing may sound abnormal, and the person cannot respond. Afterwards, confusion, sleepiness, headache, muscle soreness, or a bitten tongue can occur. Alcohol withdrawal can also cause tremor, agitation, hallucinations, and dangerous changes in alertness.

Clear nearby objects, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing, and turn the person onto their side when movements stop or if possible without force. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or tablets until they are fully alert. Time the event and stay with them. Do not let someone with heavy alcohol use stop suddenly without medical support; withdrawal can become severe and needs supervised care.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, repeated seizures, an event lasting several minutes, injury, breathing difficulty, pregnancy, or failure to regain normal awareness. Urgent assessment is also needed for severe confusion, fever, hallucinations, or worsening withdrawal symptoms after reducing alcohol. Do not drive the person yourself if they remain confused or unwell.

Ask whether the episode could be related to withdrawal, another medical problem, or a medicine interaction. Tell the clinician when the last drink was, the usual amount and pattern, previous withdrawal symptoms, injuries, and any regular medicines or substances.