Drinking alcohol is associated with a heightened risk of new-onset epilepsy, and greater consumption is linked with greater risk; however, more research is needed before drawing any definitive conclusions.

The findings of an updated meta-analysis are in line with those of a previous meta-analysis, but in contrast with some previous cohort studies. A meta-analysis conducted in 2010 included six case-control studies and noted that people who consumed alcohol had an increased risk of unprovoked seizure or epilepsy with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 2.19. There was a dose-dependent relationship, with relative risks increasing with more daily alcohol intake. On the contrary, some of the recent large cohort studies suggested that moderate alcohol intake was associated with a lower risk of epilepsy.

The updated meta-analysis included eight studies. It revealed that the pooled odds ratio for newly diagnosed epilepsy was 1.70 in people consuming alcohol, compared to nondrinkers. A significant positive dose-response relationship was also noted. A dose-response graph pointed to a sharp increase in risk above about 150 g/day and 250 g/day of alcohol intake.

The findings are published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence… (Medscape)