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.
Freedland
E S
ES
Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts.
McMicken
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DB
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000431:Ethanol