Indirect effects are mainly induced by vitamin deficiencies (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) 84, 88. Medical News Today publishes that medical procedures and therapies, medications, and adjunctive and alternative therapies are commonly used to treat alcoholic polyneuropathy. To diagnose alcoholic neuropathy, medical professionals will generally perform a few tests or exams to determine the severity of the disorder and what can be done to treat and manage the symptoms.
- Alcoholic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
- Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for alcohol-related neuropathy.
- To determine the functions of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), sympathetic skin response (SSR) is used; the abnormal results of this test suggest subclinical transmission impairments 162.
- These symptoms often respond poorly to treatment in people with alcoholic neuropathy.
- Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage that results from the toxic effect of alcohol on nerves.
Symptoms
In an animal model, Kaur et al. (2017) showed that curcumin and sildenafil administrated alone or in combination represent a therapeutic advantage in alcohol-induced neuropathic pain 176. Alcoholic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. This condition is not just a result of the amount of alcohol consumed; it also hinges on the duration and consistency of consumption. The alcohol’s toxic effects on our nerves disrupt the intricate communication network between the brain, muscles, skin, and internal organs.
Alcohol addiction treatment
According to a 2017 review, muscle myopathy is common in alcohol use disorder. In addition, about 40 to 60 percent of people who experience chronic alcohol misuse also experience alcohol-related myopathy. But if you have developed neuropathy as a result of alcohol use, it’s important to stop drinking as soon as possible. Professional and peer help through programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or other substance abuse programs can help you reduce your alcohol consumption. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan to start on your road to recovery.
Causes of alcoholic neuropathy
Navarro et al. (1993) showed that nearly half of the alcohol-dependent patients without AAN symptoms and any aberrations in electrophysiologic studies presented abnormal SSR results 163. 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. During the initial stages of ALN, the disease may appear asymptomatic and demonstrable only on electroneurographic investigation 71, 111, 112.
- Alternative therapies like chiropractic care, body manipulation, acupuncture, meditation, and massage therapy can be helpful in managing pain and symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy.
- However, severe alcohol-related neuropathy may cause permanent nerve damage.
- Many support systems and professional services are available in person or online to help you on your journey.
- The way alcohol neuropathy is being managed presently is not satisfactory.
- In fact, a person who drinks heavily might not recognize that the symptoms they are experiencing are related to their alcohol consumption.
- Counseling or therapy can help us cope with the emotional and mental challenges of a lengthy recovery process.
This may help prevent drug https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/5-tips-of-how-to-maintain-recovery-motivation/ dependence and other side effects of chronic use. A doctor will take a thorough health history and have you complete questionnaires related to alcohol intake to help diagnose these conditions. Alcoholic neuropathy occurs when too much alcohol damages the peripheral nerves. This can be permanent, as alcohol can cause changes to the nerves themselves. Deficiencies in B6 and B12, thiamine, folate, niacin, and vitamin E can make it worse. Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition caused by excessive alcohol use.
Risk factors
The prevalence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy appears to be similar among males and females; however, males present a higher disease burden 132, 133. Furthermore, females tend to be more vulnerable to the brain damage and neurotoxic effects of alcohol 134. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed that among alcohol-dependent patients, the brain volumes were reduced to increase the volume of cerebrospinal fluid; these changes were induced in females in less time 135, 136.
Alcoholic neuropathy
Treatment of ALN aims to reduce further damage to the peripheral nerves and restore their normal functioning. What is crucial during ALN treatment is the alleviation of the major causation of ALN which is alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse treatment might lead to a resolution of neuropathic pain and alleviation of its symptoms. This can be achieved by complete alcohol abstinence and a balanced diet primarily supplemented by B6, B12, and E vitamins, as well as folate, thiamine, and niacin. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome; acamprosate and naltrexone are effective to treat alcohol dependence; however, the latter usually induces withdrawal symptoms 175. Further, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are prescribed to treat alcohol-induced neuropathic pain via exerting antinociceptive properties by increasing serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmissions 71.
Motor symptoms
You’ll also alcohol neuropathy have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge. An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) may be needed to assist patients with weak ankle dorsiflexion, eversion, and/or plantar flexion. This device also can help with ankle proprioception and can improve gait and prevent ankle sprains. Vigilant foot care and the use of shoes with an enlarged toe box are useful in preventing foot ulcers.
Conditions That May Mimic Alcoholic Neuropathy
Further progression of ALN leads to the weakening of tendon reflexes or total areflexia and disturbed proprioception, which additionally impair the ability to walk 28, 113. ALN further manifests as weakness and atrophy of muscles due to the damage of greater motor fibers and impaired neuromuscular transmission. Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by the toxic effect of alcohol on nerves.
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