Why does alcohol use disorder cause seizure?

With ongoing alcohol exposure, the brain adjusts to alcohol's slowing effect. A sudden fall in alcohol can leave brain activity excessively stimulated, which may cause shaking, agitation and, in some people, a seizure. Seizure is a common presentation of Alcohol Use Disorder, particularly in the context of withdrawal, but a seizure can also have other causes that require assessment. A seizure can involve stiffening, jerking, loss of awareness, a fall or a period of confusion afterwards.

If you are dependent on alcohol, contact a clinician or alcohol service before trying to stop. They can assess withdrawal risk and arrange the right level of support. After any suspected seizure, medical review is needed even if the person seems to recover. Until assessed, avoid driving, swimming alone, climbing or using machinery, because another episode could cause injury.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure that continues, repeated seizures without full recovery, trouble breathing, serious injury, pregnancy, or a seizure in water. While waiting, protect the person's head, clear nearby hazards, turn them onto their side when possible, and do not put anything in their mouth. Seek urgent help for confusion, hallucinations or severe shaking after stopping alcohol.

Ask whether the episode could be related to alcohol withdrawal, which tests are needed to check other causes, and how to reduce alcohol safely. Ask when it is safe to return to driving, work tasks and exercise.