So, what do all these study results have to do with marijuana causing seizures? Seizures occur when something disrupts the ability of neurons to create and transmit electrical signals to other neurons. Seizures may also occur when neurons can’t receive and interpret signals from other neurons. Neuroscientists think this explains why long-time users of marijuana seem to be able to function normally in society, unlike heroin or methamphetamine addicts. However, the study asserts that this structural connectivity, or re-wiring of the brain, eventually begins deteriorating if chronic marijuana use continues. Marijuana binds to certain receptors in the ECS that govern various physiological processes.

What Is the Relationship Between Substance Use and Seizures?

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek help immediately. Alcohol withdrawal seizures are not just a symptom of quitting drinking — they’re a loud, urgent alarm bell that your body is in distress and needs help. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as seizures. An alcohol-related seizure may result in your inability to control your actions, which could be dangerous. Seizures may be a result of withdrawal symptoms that stem from quitting benzodiazepines “cold turkey.” Speak with your prescribing doctor before stopping your benzodiazepine medication. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of benzodiazepines for those experiencing seizure activity.

• Joining support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, provides individuals with a network of people who understand their experiences.
• Chronic alcohol consumption can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters, such as gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.

Progression to Delirium Tremens (DTs)

If a seizure lasts more than five minutes, it’s important to get medical help immediately. Also, if someone doesn’t wake up after a seizure or has many seizures in a short time, they need medical help immediately. But treatment varies based on the severity of alcohol withdrawal and the likelihood that it could progress to severe or complicated withdrawal. If someone experiences a drug-induced seizure, immediate actions can help ensure their safety. Clear the area around the person to prevent injury from sharp or hard objects.

Clinical Management and Treatment Approaches

By avoiding heavy and binge drinking, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing seizures related to alcohol withdrawal. Excessive alcohol use can lead to delirium tremens, characterized by severe hyperactive responses, including seizures, https://oxfordcircusmassagedotcom.wordpress.com/2023/12/13/the-risks-of-psychedelic-experiences-myths-and/ which pose serious risks. An alcohol withdrawal seizure is a serious complication that can occur when someone who has been drinking heavily for an extended period suddenly reduces or stops their alcohol intake.

Tonic Phase:

Taking the courageous first step toward recovery from alcohol use disorder is commendable, but it’s crucial to be aware can withdrawal cause seizures of potential challenges, including alcohol withdrawal symptoms. One of the more serious complications is the risk of seizures during alcohol withdrawal. In this article, we’ll delve into the dynamics of alcohol withdrawal seizures, what they can look like, provide answers for the question, “Can Alcohol withdrawal cause seizures? We’ll also shed some light on treatments and support available for individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder, and ways we can support you on your journey at Serenity Grove.

Epilepsy

The medication “Epidiolex” is one example of how marijuana, or at least its compound CBD, can help prevent some seizures. When you consume alcohol, your body reacts by decreasing the amount of sensitivity of receptors that bind to the neurotransmitter GABA. At the same time, it increases the number or sensitivity of receptors that attach to the glutamate neurotransmitter. Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may also have a spike in an amino acid (glutamate) that causes some of the symptoms common in DTs like sudden high blood pressure, tremors, and seizures.

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• Patients should be treated in quiet rooms with minimal stimulation and immediate access to intravenous medications and fluids.
• But those who drink a lot, like binge drinking or people with long-term alcohol problems, are more likely to have serious withdrawal symptoms.

This is known as the “kindling effect.” The kindling theory is that every withdrawal incident acts as an irritation to amphetamine addiction treatment the brain. The accumulation of several of these incidents tends to lower the intensity needed for seizures. Alcohol withdrawal seizures are usually generalized tonic–clonic seizures that involve both sides of the brain, although partial seizures involving only one part of the brain can also occur. A tonic-clonic seizure has a tonic (stiffening) and clonic (rhythmic jerking) phase.

The second phase involves rapid tightening and relaxing of the muscles, which involve convulsions that can lead to serious injuries. However, alcohol, along with other depressants, is among the most dangerous substances during the withdrawal phase, especially if you quit cold turkey. The overstimulating effects of alcohol withdrawal can lead to increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, sleeplessness, fever, hallucinations, panic, and seizures. However, the occurrence of severe withdrawal response may or may not happen despite a gradual reduction in the dosage level even after providing a single hefty dose in the form of animal models.

• These groups offer a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive guidance from others who have gone through similar struggles.
• This information will assist the healthcare provider in making an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
• When we quit or cut back on alcohol abruptly, we may experience withdrawal, a period of physical and mental symptoms occurring as our brain tries to regain balance.
• Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here.
• Healthcare providers monitor vital signs, provide medications, and intervene if complications arise.
• When this effect occurs deeply or over a long period of time, brain activity can rebound during alcohol withdrawal, exceeding normal levels and creating the risk of a seizure.

Treatments

Most cases of seizures occurring after smoking marijuana have been documented in adolescents, people with undiagnosed underlying health problems, and first-time cannabis users. One study found that, in severe cases, seizures occurred in children who ingested marijuana. Another study noted a link between marijuana abuse and seizures in older people. It is vital to seek professional help if you or someone you know is battling methamphetamine addiction. It is a severe type of withdrawal from alcohol and usually starts about 2 to 3 days after someone who is alcohol dependent ends a long drinking binge.