Medical Conditions That Mimic Intoxication

Facing a DWI charge can be overwhelming, especially when certain medical conditions can mimic the signs of intoxication. Understanding these conditions is crucial, as they can play a significant role in your defense.

Medical Conditions That Mimic Intoxication

Several medical conditions can produce symptoms similar to those of alcohol impairment, potentially leading to misinterpretation by law enforcement officers.

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), leading to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and unsteadiness—symptoms that can be mistaken for intoxication. Additionally, diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition resulting from high blood sugar, can cause the breath to smell fruity or like alcohol, further complicating assessments. 

Neurological Conditions

Conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can affect motor skills and cognitive functions. During or after a seizure, an individual might appear disoriented, have slurred speech, or exhibit uncoordinated movements, all of which can be misinterpreted as signs of intoxication. (mayoclinic.org)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD can lead to the presence of alcohol-like compounds in the breath due to the fermentation of stomach contents. This can result in a false positive on breathalyzer tests, as the device may detect these compounds and inaccurately report elevated blood alcohol levels.

Auto-Brewery Syndrome

A rare condition known as auto-brewery syndrome causes the body to produce alcohol internally due to an overgrowth of certain fungi or bacteria in the gut. Individuals with this syndrome can exhibit signs of intoxication without consuming alcohol, as their blood alcohol levels can become elevated from the internally produced ethanol. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can result in symptoms such as confusion, impaired coordination, and slurred speech. These manifestations can easily be mistaken for alcohol impairment, especially if the individual has not consumed any alcohol. (mayoclinic.org)

Implications for DWI Defense

If you have a medical condition that could mimic intoxication, it’s essential to inform your attorney. Medical records, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of your health history can be pivotal in building a defense. An experienced DWI defense attorney can leverage this information to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and advocate on your behalf.