[Convulsive seizures of alcoholics in emergency situation]

Current medical practice in emergency rooms and epidemiologic studies show that ethylalcohol abuse both induces alcohol-related seizures and promotes seizures of other origin. Careful neurological examination, particular clinical signs and evolution over the first 24 hours constitute the first stage of the diagnosis. Only brain CT scan establishes the real cause of the seizures. Treatment of seizures is at first aetilogic. In alcohol-related seizures, the alcoholic condition does not warrant the use of anticonvulsivants. Abstinence prevents alcohol-related seizures while the persistence of the intoxication leads to hazardous observance of drug intake.