Disulfiram-induced convulsions without challenge by alcohol

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Disulfiram is a well-established medication used to deter alcohol consumption.
• Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to unpleasant effects upon alcohol ingestion.
• Adverse neurological events are not commonly associated with disulfiram, especially in the absence of alcohol.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a rare case of grand-mal seizures occurring in a patient treated with disulfiram.
• To explore potential underlying mechanisms for disulfiram-induced seizures without alcohol exposure.
• To raise awareness among clinicians regarding potential neurological side effects of disulfiram.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient's clinical presentation, medical history, and medication regimen.
• Review of existing literature on disulfiram's pharmacology and known adverse effects.
• Discussion of potential pathophysiological pathways linking disulfiram to seizures.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced multiple grand-mal seizures while on disulfiram therapy.
• No alcohol consumption was reported prior to or during the seizure events.
• Literature review did not reveal a direct causal link between disulfiram and seizures in alcohol-free individuals.

Conclusions:

• Disulfiram may be associated with grand-mal seizures in susceptible individuals, independent of alcohol intake.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms involved.
• Clinicians should consider disulfiram as a potential factor in new-onset seizures in patients undergoing treatment.