Which is a possible sign of alcohol withdrawal?

Which is a possible sign of alcohol withdrawal?

• A. Seizures
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (A)

Recognizing withdrawal signs means knowing what can happen when alcohol use stops after a period of dependence. Seizures are a possible sign of alcohol withdrawal. They can occur within the first day or two after the last drink as the brain shifts from a state of alcohol-induced inhibition to rebound excitation. This increased neuronal excitability lowers the seizure threshold and can produce one or more convulsive events. Seizures in withdrawal are a red-flag symptom requiring urgent medical care, often treated with benzodiazepines and supportive measures to prevent progression to more severe complications. Other choices don’t fit as typical withdrawal signs. Hypotension, hypothermia, and bradycardia are not characteristic of withdrawal; withdrawal more commonly presents with autonomic hyperactivity such as tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, and sometimes fever, especially if delirium tremens develops.

Recognizing withdrawal signs means knowing what can happen when alcohol use stops after a period of dependence. Seizures are a possible sign of alcohol withdrawal. They can occur within the first day or two after the last drink as the brain shifts from a state of alcohol-induced inhibition to rebound excitation. This increased neuronal excitability lowers the seizure threshold and can produce one or more convulsive events. Seizures in withdrawal are a red-flag symptom requiring urgent medical care, often treated with benzodiazepines and supportive measures to prevent progression to more severe complications.

Other choices don’t fit as typical withdrawal signs. Hypotension, hypothermia, and bradycardia are not characteristic of withdrawal; withdrawal more commonly presents with autonomic hyperactivity such as tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, and sometimes fever, especially if delirium tremens develops.