Alcohol-related seizures, Part I: Pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and evaluation

Alcoholism may be society's most devastating problem short of war and malnutrition. Perhaps the most complex and perplexing medical complication of alcoholism is alcohol-related seizures. This article is a collective review designed to provide emergency physicians with an overview of the topic that is pertinent to their clinical practice. Part 1 addresses the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and evaluation of alcohol-related seizures. Part 2 will concentrate on the clinical presentation, management, and disposition. In addition, a classification of alcohol-related seizures will be proposed.