Alcoholic neuropathy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

The exact causes of alcohol-related neuropathy aren’t fully understood. However, researchers have found that consuming too much alcohol for long periods of time can damage the peripheral nerves. alcohol neuropathy Over time, the effects of drinking too much alcohol may cause alcoholic neuropathy. This condition is also referred to as “alcohol-related neuropathy” to help decrease the stigma surrounding the condition. People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling.

• Symptoms include tingling or numbness in the extremities, muscle weakness, changes in gait, heightened sensitivity to touch, chronic pain, and in advanced cases, muscle atrophy and gastrointestinal disturbances.
• In a similar study, SSR was used to assess the number of reactive sweat glands (SGN), which turned out to be decreased in alcohol-dependent patients 164.
• Alcoholic neuropathy refers to nerve damage resulting from chronic heavy alcohol use.
• Impotence, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms are treated when necessary.

How to prevent alcoholic neuropathy

Further research has confirmed the role of thiamine in the pathogenesis of ALN—the well-balanced diet and vitamin B1 supplementation significantly decreased the severity of ALN symptoms 147, 148. Koike et al. (2003) compared clinical and histological differences between ALN with and without thiamine deficiency 65. Also, the results of the group of 32 patients with non-alcoholic thiamine deficiency neuropathy were considered. Thiamine deficiency https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/the-connection-between-alcoholism-and-anger/ resulted in the progression of sensory dysfunctions; further, histological examination of the sural nerves revealed the loss of small nerve fibers and segmental demyelination.

• Symptoms can include numbness in hands and feet, digestive issues, and loss of balance due to loss of nerve function.
• A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy or if they are concerned about their alcohol use.
• This commonly presents with pain, paresthesias, and ataxia in the distal lower extremities.
• Alcohol also alters the function of the stomach, liver, and kidneys in ways that prevent the body from properly detoxifying waste material.
• Some tests can be performed by a doctor to rule out other causes of neurologic symptoms.

Effects due to nutritional deficiency

If your doctor confirms a diagnosis of alcoholic neuropathy, they will discuss treatment options, including help for alcohol use disorder. Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol. The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation.

Peripheral neuropathy

People who struggle with alcoholism should try to eat a healthy and balanced diet, even if they don’t feel hungry. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. As axons break down, the nerve fibers become less dense and cannot function properly. Addiction helplines, like the one operated by American Addiction Centers, can also be powerful resources for those seeking help of alcohol addiction.

• Alcoholic neuropathy damages the nerves due to prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Treatment may involve nutritional supplementation, pain management, and abstaining from alcohol.
• The true incidence of alcoholic neuropathy in the general population is unknown, and figures vary widely depending on the definition of chronic alcoholism and the criteria used to detect and classify neuropathy.
• ALN can manifest differently, and patients might experience one, two, or even more clinical manifestations of ALN.
• Alcoholic neuropathy can affect both sensory and motor nerves, causing pain, hypersensitivity, numbness, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination and fine motor controls, largely in the extremities.

You may need to be sedated for more than a week until the alcohol withdrawal symptoms go away. And a doctor may use brain-imaging techniques to monitor treatment over time. A diet poor in nutrients or avoiding eating can make nutritional deficiencies worse. People should note that while “alcoholic neuropathy” is the current medical term, some healthcare professionals are beginning to use the term “alcohol-related neuropathy” to decrease stigma surrounding the condition. The first step in treating alcoholic neuropathy includes stopping alcohol use altogether. If your drinking is out of your control, know that many treatment options are available.