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Seizures, illicit drugs, and ethanol
1Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, 506 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10037, USA. jcb2@columbia.edu
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|July 2, 2008
Summary
Recreational substance use can lead to seizures through indirect causes like trauma or stroke, and directly via drug intoxication or withdrawal. Clinicians must consider substance use in all seizure patients, especially those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Recreational substance users face increased seizure risk from various indirect mechanisms.
- These include traumatic brain injury, central nervous system infections, stroke, and metabolic disturbances like hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the multifaceted relationship between recreational substance use and seizures.
- To emphasize the importance of considering substance use in seizure evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and clinical case analysis.
- Examination of direct and indirect pathways linking substance use to seizures.
Main Results:
- Substances can trigger seizures directly during intoxication (e.g., psychostimulants) or withdrawal (e.g., sedatives, ethanol).
- Indirect mechanisms include trauma, infections, stroke, and metabolic derangements associated with substance abuse.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians should always consider illicit drug and ethanol use in patients presenting with seizures.
- Seizures in individuals with a history of substance abuse necessitate thorough workup for coexisting, treatable conditions.
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