Other Causes of Seizures

The prevalence of seizures from all causes in alcohol dependent people is up to 15 per cent, estimated to be at least three times higher than the general population. Seizures under these circumstances may be atypical of alcohol withdrawal seizures in onset or type (for example, partial-onset seizures). Long-term neurotoxic effects of high-level alcohol consumption may lead to epilepsy. Heavy alcohol use can also contribute to seizures related to other conditions including: 

• recent or past traumatic brain injury and intracranial haemorrhage 
• concomitant use of other substances (particularly benzodiazepines)
• concurrent metabolic, infectious, neoplastic or cerebrovascular conditions 

These seizures can present clinically as alcohol withdrawal seizures.