An alcoholic presenting with fits

Abstract

A known alcoholic was admitted for a repeated episode of fits abolished by treating the patient's hypocalcaemia. Several mechanisms of hypocalcaemia in alcoholics have been described but in this patient coeliac disease was also diagnosed. Non-compliance with a gluten-free diet led to poor control of the disease, continued hypocalcaemia and an admission with a repeat seizure leading to death. © Royal College of Physicians, 2009. All rights reserved.