[Alcohol and epilepsy]

Epileptic seizures occur in 5-15% of individuals drinking alcohol. The majority are related to withdrawal, after heavy drinking, but these seizures may be indicative of an underlying structural disease, and always need diagnostic investigations. This type of fit does not require long term anticonvulsant therapy. More than 20% of newly diagnosed epilepsies in adults are alcoholic epilepsies, which concern less than 10% of alcoholic patients. Post-traumatic epilepsy is frequently intricate. Long term anticonvulsant therapy may be indicated, but is only possible if abstinence is acquired. Rare syndromes have been described, which specificity has not been demonstrated. Excessive drinking may provoke seizures in epileptics, whereas moderate or occasional use of alcohol may be not detrimental.