What are the common causes of seizures in young adults?

Seizures in young adults are often linked to changing lifestyles, stress leading to substance use, genetic factors, birth complications, head injuries, or brain trauma.

Why are epilepsy patients in rural areas facing delayed treatment?

In rural areas, epilepsy is often misunderstood, viewed as contagious or supernatural, leading to social isolation, discrimination, and reliance on unscientific practices that delay proper medical care.

Home / Health / Youth Alcohol Use Fuels Epilepsy Treatment Crisis

Youth Alcohol Use Fuels Epilepsy Treatment Crisis

Q: How does alcohol affect epilepsy treatment in young people?

Alcohol directly interferes with anti-seizure medications, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of recurrent seizures among young patients.

10 Feb

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Summary

Alcohol and substance use complicate seizure management in young people.
Changing lifestyles and stress contribute to worsening brain instability.
Myths in rural areas lead to social isolation and delayed treatment.

Youth Alcohol Use Fuels Epilepsy Treatment Crisis

On International Epilepsy Day, neurologists voiced concerns about the escalating use of alcohol and substances among adolescents and young adults, which is severely impacting epilepsy treatment and seizure management. Changing lifestyles, high stress levels, and prevalent misinformation are negatively affecting treatment outcomes.

Dr. Manisha from Paras Hospital explained that alcohol directly counteracts anti-seizure medications, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of recurrent seizures. She observed a notable increase in young patients presenting with seizure-related issues linked to lifestyle habits over the past six months.

While epilepsy can stem from genetic factors, birth complications, head injuries, or brain trauma, experts emphasize that 70-80% of cases are manageable with medication and a stable lifestyle. Deaths related to epilepsy are rare; instances of loss of consciousness and accidental deaths are often misattributed, sometimes stemming from alcohol withdrawal.