alcoholic tremors or seizures?

[katieh77]

My  60 year old dad has been a heavy beer drinker most of his life. For more than 36 years he has had episodes when drinking. Sometimes this happens after 2 beers sometimes after 12 beers. His body stiffens up, doesn't seem to affect from waste down as he can walk, sit, stand, but his hands stiffen and he can't move his mouth when he talks and his arms and hands severely tremor. This can last anywhere from a minute to 30 minutes or more. Then it just quits and he is fine again and then it will continue to happen every so often throughout an evening. He has been diagnosed with essential tremors he has when he is not drinking but was told these episodes are not related. Has had a brain MRI and nothing was found.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your father’s medical problems. In all probability he suffers from delirium tremans or from alcoholic hepatitis which resolves when he stops drinking or vitamin B12 deficiency which is common seen in regular alcohol drinkers. He would need blood tests to assess liver function, vit B12 level and maybe even serum electrolyte level. Also, yes, alcohol intake while taking baclofen can increase the drug’s side effects, especially the neurological symptoms. Please discuss with his doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.

[katieh77]

Also wondering if baclofen would be something that should be brought up to his doctor