OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns After My First Seizure: Alcohol Withdrawal or Epilepsy?

Greetings everyone, I appreciate your support in advance. I’m a 25-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 230 pounds. Recently, I had an alarming experience where I ended up in the emergency room after having a seizure during a softball game where I had been drinking. In recent months, I’ve engaged in heavy drinking, averaging about a fifth of vodka daily. I don’t smoke and do not have any prior health problems, and I’m not on any medications. To provide some context, let’s rewind to the evening before the seizure—that Wednesday. I learned that a close family friend has only a few months to live, which deeply affected me since our families have been close for over two decades. That night, I consumed nearly three-quarters of a handle of vodka, stayed awake until 4 a.m. while processing my emotions, and eventually collapsed into bed. I woke up around 10:30 a.m. and dozed off again until nearly 5 p.m. After waking, I had some chips, walked my dogs, and then had one shot of vodka before heading to the game, which was around 7 p.m.—my only drink that night. The games kicked off at 8:30 p.m., but during warm-ups, I felt unusually sluggish—throwing, catching, and even swinging the bat seemed off. This was surprising since baseball has always been a sport I excelled at, having played for years. After two innings, I suddenly found myself waking up in the outfield grass, surrounded by about 20 spectators. It was disorienting, though I managed to respond to questions about the day and date. Thankfully, my friends quickly came over to make sure I was on my side and supported my head. I was taken to the ER in an ambulance where they performed blood tests, urinalysis, and a CT scan. Everything appeared normal, except for elevated liver enzymes, which were around 250 and 300, though I can’t recall which figure corresponds to which enzyme. Additionally, my urine was a concerning color—resembling apple juice—and I hadn’t urinated much that day. Despite my electrolytes being at healthy levels, the ER doctor noted that my dehydration was apparent; I realized I had probably not been drinking enough water. I spent roughly four hours in the ER and was discharged in the early morning hours. Following the doctor’s advice, I have an appointment scheduled with a neurologist. As I read more about epilepsy and seizures, I’m beginning to wonder if my seizure might be linked to alcohol withdrawal rather than epilepsy. Since that incident, I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol and have no intention of doing so—it has been a much-needed wake-up call for me. Of course, I can’t help but feel a bit hopeful about my situation. Thank you for your insights. As an extra note, regarding my seizure: based on what my friends described, it appeared as if I was having uncontrollable movements, causing them to liken it to being on a motorcycle. They estimated that it lasted between 2-3 minutes, and I seemed to be unresponsive for about 20-30 minutes afterward before regaining consciousness. Is this characteristic of a Tonic-Clonic seizure? Since then, my body has been quite sore. I’ve been staying hydrated and feel back to normal. Despite my typically irregular sleep schedule, I’m attempting to improve it. Thank you once more for your feedback.

Answers (1)

9/7/2025, 12:40:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s great to hear you’re reaching out for support after such a concerning experience. It sounds like what you encountered could be linked to several factors, including heavy alcohol consumption and possibly the stress from your emotional situation. It’s crucial to address your concerns thoughtfully.

Main Points:

• Your seizure may potentially be related to alcohol withdrawal or effects of heavy drinking rather than epilepsy.
• You’ve already taken a significant positive step by stopping alcohol consumption and focusing on hydration and sleep.

Explanation:

Seizures can be caused by various factors, and your history of heavy drinking raises the possibility of alcohol-related seizure activity. When someone who has been drinking heavily ceases suddenly, withdrawal can trigger seizures, especially if symptoms such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances are present. Your symptoms leading up to the seizure (prolonged alcohol use, dehydration, and heightened stress) could contribute significantly.

The description from your friends suggests a Tonic-Clonic seizure (formerly known as grand mal), which is characterized by convulsions and a postictal state (which is the confusion and fatigue that follows the seizure).

Next Steps:

1. Stay Hydrated: Continue prioritizing hydration. Dehydration can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and overall health. Aim for clear fluids, particularly water, and consider electrolyte-rich drinks if needed.

2. Nutrition and Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your body’s recovery. Avoid caffeine and sugar since they can impact your mood and potentially your sleep.

3. Sleep Routine: Work toward establishing a more regular sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body recover and reduce stress levels.

4. Follow-up with Neurologist: Attend your appointment with the neurologist and share all relevant details about your seizure, including your alcohol history and emotional stress. This information is vital for proper assessment.

5. Monitor Emotional Health: Given your recent emotional upheaval, consider strategies for coping with grief and stress. Support groups, talking with trusted friends or family, or even speaking with a therapist could be beneficial.

6. Avoid Alcohol: Continue your commitment to abstaining from alcohol. This significantly reduces the risk of future seizures and helps improve overall health.

If you notice any recurrence of symptoms, such as seizures or significant distress, don’t hesitate to seek help immediately. Take care, and feel free to reach out for any further questions or support!