ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE IN ALCOHOL-INDUCED SEIZURES VS. PRIMARY SEIZURES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Seizures can be classified into primary (idiopathic) and secondary (symptomatic) types, with alcohol-related seizures being a common secondary form. Chronic alcohol consumption has been linked to disturbances in electrolyte balance, particularly involving calcium and magnesium, which may lower the seizure threshold.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and sodium in patients with alcohol-related seizures and those with primary seizures, to identify potential differences in their pathophysiology.

Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, involving 100 participants divided into two groups: 50 patients with alcohol-related seizures and 50 with primary seizures. Detailed clinical evaluations were performed, and fasting blood samples were collected to measure serum calcium, magnesium, and sodium levels. Statistical analysis was conducted using t-tests to assess the significance of differences between the groups.

Results: The study found that patients with alcohol-related seizures had significantly lower serum calcium (8.2 ± 0.5 mg/dL vs. 9.0 ± 0.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and magnesium levels (1.4 ± 0.3 mg/dL vs. 1.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL, p = 0.002) compared to those with primary seizures. No significant difference was observed in serum sodium levels between the two groups (138 ± 2 mEq/L vs. 139 ± 3 mEq/L, p = 0.341).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia are more prevalent in patients with alcohol-related seizures, potentially contributing to their pathogenesis. These electrolyte imbalances should be closely monitored and managed in this patient population. In contrast, primary seizures do not appear to be associated with significant electrolyte disturbances, suggesting different underlying mechanisms.