DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2021.v09i03.006

Pages: 329-336

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally affecting both the central and peripheral nervous system. Alcohol related seizure is a common medical emergency in Neurology and Psychiatry department and is responsible for 20-30% of seizure admission. Materials and Method: A prospective study carried in a referral centre in North East India for duration of one year. Seizure patients who fulfil the definition of alcohol related seizure were included. Routine blood work, an electroencephalogram (EEG) and a required neuro imaging was done. Patient’s data were collected and analyse. Results: Thirty-four male patients were included with mean age of presentation was 40.79 ± 11.85 years. The mean duration of alcohol intake was 12.82 ± 8.48 years with a range of 3-40 years. The gap between last binge of alcohol and onset of seizure was <24 hours in 10 patients (29.4%); 24-48 hours in 18 patients (52.9) an >48 hours in 6 patients (17.6%). The mean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score was 22.8 ± 6.97 and mean Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) score was 16.47 ± 7.9. The mean MMSE score in all alcohol related seizure cases was 26 ± 2.0 and was found to be inversely correlated with duration of alcohol intake (Pearson’s coefficient = -0.29).Focal epileptiform changes in EEG was seen in two patients (5.8%), generalized spike and wave seen in one patient (2.9%) and generalized theta slowing seen in 9 patients (26.4%). Presence of an abnormal EEG, a positive past history of seizure related to alcohol and an AUDIT score >20 is significantly associated with recurrence of seizure. Conclusion: Alcohol related seizure can reoccur; Presence of abnormal EEG, past history of similar illness an AUDIT scores of >20 can predict recurrent seizure in these patients.