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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Related Questions
Constant Throat Clearing is Taking a Toll on My Life
(17 AFAB) (Possibly irrelevant conditions: Autism, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Mild Depression) It’s currently 3 AM, and I find myself wide awake due to an incessant need to clear my throat. The sound is relentless, and it has been plaguing me for nearly a year. This situation is unbearable, as it disturbs those around me. Activities like singing or even having a simple conversation have become tremendously challenging. I am on the verge of missing out on my school's musical production this November if this continues. It feels like I have an overproduction of saliva in my mouth, creating the sensation that something is stuck in my throat; when I attempt to clear it, the discomfort shifts up and down my throat. No matter how much I attempt to expel it, the urge returns. Eating or drinking exacerbates the problem, making it increasingly intolerable. I consulted with an ENT specialist who suggested a nasal spray to alleviate post-nasal drip, but honestly, I haven’t noticed any improvements. My daily medication regimen includes an anti-acid reflux drug, an iron supplement, a general multivitamin, an antihistamine for seasonal allergies (possibly cetirizine), a 40 mg dose of fluoxetine, and a vitamin C supplement. I take all these once daily. The throat-clearing becomes particularly severe at night, during morning hours, and, as mentioned, when I consume anything—especially water or soda. Furthermore, I’ve noticed that I can't seem to swallow normally. My swallowing feels overly forceful, as though I am acting out the action dramatically. Despite my attempts to swallow quietly, it appears I lack the ability to do so. I don’t have any major allergies, just mild seasonal ones, yet this throat clearing issue has persisted for a year without any seasonal variations in severity. As a baby, I suffered from severe acid reflux, but now it’s infrequent, and the prescribed medications don’t seem effective. The ongoing frustration is overwhelming, and I truly need a resolution. What steps can I take to address this issue?
Seeking Guidance – Persistent Headaches Since February 2024
Hello everyone, I'm a 21-year-old woman who has been battling a severe, unrelenting headache every single day since February 16, 2024, just after I turned 20. This ordeal began after I experienced a significant neck strain during the summer of 2023 — likely from an awkward sleeping position. Following that injury, I struggled to turn my head to the right and noticed a disparity in shoulder height, which has altered how I feel overall since then. By February 2024, I started to experience headaches that were initially excruciating, accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, resembling migraine symptoms. Over time, they have transformed into a continuous feeling of pressure and tightness that I've endured for almost two years now. The discomfort is primarily in my forehead and temples, sometimes extending to the back of my head and neck. Additionally, my neck and shoulders, particularly on the right side, feel constantly stiff and painful. Lying flat exacerbates the heaviness in my forehead and temples significantly. My eyes are often dry, heavy, and strained when I blink, creating a sensation of excessive tension around them. There isn't any tingling or numbness, just an ongoing sense of pressure and tightness. Over-the-counter medications have not provided any relief. A physiotherapist once indicated that my symptoms might align with a tension-type headache, but I can't shake the feeling that it might be linked to the initial neck strain or related to my posture, considering how everything has unfolded. I am increasingly anxious because this has persisted for almost two years — is recovery still possible, and what might be the root cause? I also consulted with an ENT specialist who ruled out any sinus-related issues. Additionally, I began experiencing pelvic pain in November 2024, which my physiotherapist attributed to a pelvic floor problem, though I’m uncertain if there’s any connection between the two conditions.
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps
Hello, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound yesterday because I have been experiencing recurring vaginal infections, including one just last week. The results indicated the presence of a polyp measuring 7.6mm on the posterior wall of the body segment of my gallbladder. Over the past few years, I’ve struggled with both mental and physical health issues. My diet has been erratic; I often skip meals, but I indulge in a lot of junk food. Consequently, I've seen a significant increase in my weight, alongside frequent fungal infections, for which I’ve taken antibiotics. This has disrupted my stomach's pH balance. Additionally, my sleep patterns are chaotic, and I find myself under considerable stress. Could factors like an unbalanced diet, high-calorie intake, lack of physical activity, and stress be contributing to this health issue? My doctor has recommended that I avoid meat and spicy foods and suggested that I come back to the clinic if I experience any abdominal pain. Is surgical intervention necessary in this case?
Anxiety Over Liletta IUD Removal and Ultrasound Findings
Greetings, I am a 34-year-old woman who received a Liletta IUD in August 2023. To provide some context: I have a strong desire not to have children and wish to no longer experience menstruation. Until August 18, I had not bled at all, but then I began experiencing intermittent bleeding and passing sizeable clots. My gynecologist advised that I should seek emergency care only if I am filling a pad every hour. Despite enduring intense cramps and irregular bleeding, I was made to wait a week for an appointment and was subsequently referred for an ultrasound, which was conducted another week later. I have now received the ultrasound report indicating the IUD is positioned low, yet I have not heard back from my doctor. My upcoming appointment is on Tuesday, during which she intends to “attempt” the removal of the IUD. I struggle with significant anxiety and past trauma related to IUDs, which makes me apprehensive that my concerns about pain management may not be fully acknowledged. Additionally, I have a fibroid, and I am curious if it might be contributing to the IUD's low position. The ultrasound images do not clarify the exact placement of the IUD for me. Any guidance or experiences you could share regarding a low-lying IUD and the process of removal would be immensely valuable. I also have a consultation scheduled with a fibroid specialist on October 15, but my feelings of dread and uncertainty are overwhelming. Moreover, I’m feeling disheartened because the absence of periods had finally brought me a sense of normalcy. --- **Ultrasound Results** **Ultrasound of the Pelvis (Without Doppler)** **Summary:** - Presence of fibroid in the uterus. - Low-lying IUD observed, with an endometrium that appears heterogeneous. - Normal condition of the adnexa. **Ultrasound Overview (Complete Transabdominal and Transvaginal Without Doppler)** **Reason for Examination:** - Investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding. Evaluation of the IUD and fibroids. **Last Menstrual Period:** 8/26/2025. **Methodology:** - Images of the pelvis were acquired through both transabdominal and transvaginal techniques. **Findings:** 1. **Uterus:** Dimensions are reported as 10.4 cm x 5.4 cm x 6.9 cm, with a volume of 202.90 cm³, positioned anteriorly with a heterogeneous texture in the myometrial layer. - Fibroid identified: 4.6 cm x 4.7 cm x 4.7 cm, located intramurally/subserosally at the right fundal region. 2. **Endometrium:** Thickness measures 1.1 cm, within normal limits but displays heterogeneity with cysts. The low-lying IUD has its tip situated at the level of the uterine body. 3. **Right Ovary:** Dimensions are 3.2 cm x 2.1 cm x 2.7 cm, with a volume of 9.50 cm³, including small peripheral follicles. 4. **Left Ovary:** Measurements are 3.6 cm x 2.9 cm x 3.2 cm, with a volume of 17.49 cm³, also containing small peripheral follicles. 5. **Adnexa/Other Notes:** No additional abnormalities detected. 6. **Free Fluid:** There is no accumulation of free fluid present.
20-Year-Old Male with Swollen Right Lymph Node: Recovery Timeline from Cold?
As a 20-year-old male, I've noticed that my right lymph node has become enlarged. I've been experiencing cold symptoms since Wednesday, September 3rd. I'm curious about how long it might take for me to recover. At the moment, I'm consuming fruits such as bananas and oranges. What additional steps can I take to feel better?