Alcohol and seizures

Alcohol-related seizures are a frequent neurological emergency, yet their management is often inconsistent. This article provides a practical, clinically orientated framework for evaluating and treating these seizures across different clinical settings. It reviews the neurobiological mechanisms linking alcohol use, withdrawal and seizure susceptibility; outlines a structured diagnostic work-up that avoids premature diagnostic anchoring and summarises evidence-based approaches to acute stabilisation, withdrawal management and antiseizure therapy. We emphasise the importance of supervised detoxification and relapse prevention, along with the need to tailor long-term treatment to adherence challenges and comorbidities. Finally, we highlight the central role of the patient-physician relationship and multidisciplinary care in improving engagement, supporting recovery and reducing recurrence.

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Publication Details

Journal
Practical Neurology
Published
2026-05-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/pn-2025-004912
Primary Topic
Alcoholism and Thiamine Deficiency
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Alcohol and seizures

Simona Lattanzi, Francesco Brigo
Practical Neurology
Alcoholism and Thiamine Deficiency
article

Alcohol and seizures

Simona Lattanzi, Francesco Brigo
article en

Abstract

Alcohol-related seizures are a frequent neurological emergency, yet their management is often inconsistent. This article provides a practical, clinically orientated framework for evaluating and treating these seizures across different clinical settings. It reviews the neurobiological mechanisms linking alcohol use, withdrawal and seizure susceptibility; outlines a structured diagnostic work-up that avoids premature diagnostic anchoring and summarises evidence-based approaches to acute stabilisation, withdrawal management and antiseizure therapy. We emphasise the importance of supervised detoxification and relapse prevention, along with the need to tailor long-term treatment to adherence challenges and comorbidities. Finally, we highlight the central role of the patient-physician relationship and multidisciplinary care in improving engagement, supporting recovery and reducing recurrence.

Practical Neurology
Marche Polytechnic University (IT), Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (IT), Ospedale di Bolzano (IT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Alcoholism and Thiamine Deficiency
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