What withdrawal symptoms can trigger seizures in chronic alcohol users?

• A. Alcohol withdrawal seizures typically occur 6–48 hours after last drink; delirium tremens later with autonomic instability.
• B. Seizures occur only during intoxication.
• C. Delirium tremens occurs within hours of last drink but never seizures.
• D. Seizures from withdrawal occur after weeks of abstinence.

Answer: (A)

Alcohol withdrawal can trigger seizures because the brain has adapted to chronic alcohol exposure by increasing excitability; when alcohol is abruptly stopped, inhibitory signaling wanes and excitatory activity ramps up, leading to seizures. These withdrawal seizures typically appear 6–48 hours after the last drink. Delirium tremens is the more severe withdrawal syndrome that follows later, usually within 2–3 days and can persist for several days, marked by severe confusion, tremors, agitation, and autonomic instability. So the described sequence—early withdrawal seizures after cessation, followed by delirium tremens with autonomic instability—is the typical pattern. Seizures are not limited to intoxication, and delirium tremens can include seizures, so the timing and progression in the statement best match clinical patterns. Seizures occurring weeks after stopping drinking are not expected.