Background: The term Alcohol related seizures (ARS) represents all seizures occurring in the context of alcohol use including Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures (AWS). ARS are most commonly attributed to alcohol withdrawal but there are studies indicating various other causes. The study aimed to study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients presenting with ARS and possible reasons for alcohol consumption, in a state with liquor ban.
Methods: Participants included patients presenting with history of seizures and alcohol use without previous diagnosis of epilepsy to a rural teaching hospital. Socio-demography, alcohol use profile and the last intake of alcohol was collected. The reasons for alcohol consumption were measured using Drinking Motive Questionnaire-Revised (DMQ-R). Metabolic workup, imaging studies and electroencephalogram (EEG) were done based on clinical judgment. We analyzed data using uni-variate analysis.
Results: Thirty-eight patients were included and analyzed. Country liquor was most frequently consumed (63%) in a frequent-low pattern. Coping was the highest cited reason for drinking (mean=12.87). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures was the most common presentation. One third of the participants had AWS, almost half had identifiable causes and rest had dual diagnosis (AWS + identifiable causes). Quantity Frequency (QF) and presence of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal on presentation were significantly associated with AWS (p value: 0.005). Abnormal neuroimaging was observed in 33% of patients and abnormal EEG in 14% of patients.
Conclusion: Illicit country liquor use is not uncommon in this region. QF measure of consumption, history of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal on presentation and normal metabolic parameters are good indicators to differentiate AWS from other causes. EEG should not be routinely used for patients with ARS.
Key words: Alcohol Related Seizures, Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures, Reasons for drinking
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