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.
Authors
- Simona Lattanzi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8748-0083)
- Francesco Brigo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0928-1577)
Institutions
- Marche Polytechnic University (IT)
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (IT)
- Ospedale di Bolzano (IT)
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