There is no easy fix for kidney failure, which means the neuropathy could worsen over time. The pain and tingling caused by neuropathy can severely affect a personโs quality of life. Fortunately, there are means โ and medications โ to help ease the condition. It is essential to provide patient education regarding the harmful, long-term consequences of alcohol abuse.
Animal Studies
Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis may occur even a few years earlier in females compared to males [131]. 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].
Alcohol Neuropathy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Outlook
This commonly presents with pain, paresthesias, and ataxia in the distal lower extremities. The exact number of people affected by this condition is not known, but studies have shown that up to 66% of patients with chronic alcohol use disorder may have some form of the disease. The cause is multifactorial, from both nutritional deficiencies and alcohol metabolism’s direct toxic effects on neurons. Because of the diverse effects of alcohol on the body, these patients should be managed by an interprofessional team.
Other areas of the body
- This nerve damage causes an individual to experience pain and motor weakness, first in the feet and hands and then progressing centrally.
- Alcohol causes neuropathy by making it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients, including B12 and protein.
- Changes in muscle strength or sensation usually occur on both sides of the body and are more common in the legs than in the arms.
- Other botanical or nutrient therapies include myo-inositol, vitamin E, topical capsaicin, and N-acetylcysteine.
- Light touch can feel exaggerated and painful, particularly in the fingers and toes.
Besides, approximately 55% of men with AAN develop erectile dysfunctions [167]. Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with AAN might increase the probability of sudden cardiac death, which is probably due to toxic effects of alcohol on a cardiac muscle that is also observed in alcoholic cardiomyopathy [168, 169]. The first reports about the possible role of excessive alcohol consumption and induction of ALN were introduced in 1787 [60]. Lettsom has observed that paralysis and hypoesthesia related to ALN presented a higher prevalence rate in lower limbs compared to upper limbs [60]. 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.
Understanding and treating alcoholic neuropathy
We do not know precisely how many people are affected by alcohol neuropathy, but research has shown that at least 66% of chronic alcohol abusers may have some form of neuropathy. Neuropathy has multifactorial causes, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to the toxic effects that alcohol has on neurons. Because of the many effects that alcohol has on the organism, it is important that patients with alcoholic neuropathy be managed by a team of inter-professionals in the health industry. The way alcohol neuropathy is being managed presently is not satisfactory. However, there is poor compliance on the part of patients, resulting in the progression of the condition and ultimately, poor quality of life. Residual neuropathy occurs even in patients who have practiced abstinence.
Poor absorption and low intake of these vitamins have clinical features of dermatitis, neuropathy, and anorexia. Among patients with chronic alcohol use disorder, neuropathy is the most common harmful sequelae. It is estimated that in the United States, 25% to 66% of chronic alcohol users experience some form of neuropathy; however, the true incidence in the general population is unknown. The majority of patients were middle-class, working men, and continuous drinkers were more affected than episodic drinkers. Parental family history is a risk factor for developing this condition. Women are more likely to develop alcohol polyneuropathy and suffer from a more rapid onset and greater severity.
- The cause is a diverse multifactorial process caused by damage by free radicals, the release of inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress.
- Referral to a behavioral health addiction facility may be required to treat alcohol addiction.
- The reduction of internodal length contributes to the decreased speed of nerve conduction which may be implemented in impairments in perspiration, baroreceptor reflexes, and functions of internal organs.
- Both the toxicity of alcohol and nutritional deficiencies have been linked with alcoholic neuropathy, which is one of the most common but least recognizable consequences of heavy alcohol use.
Alcohol-Related Peripheral Neuropathy โ History of Discovery and Exact Definition
You also need to begin eating a healthy diet, and you may need to take vitamin supplements to improve your levels of B12, thiamine, Vitamin E, and folate. Four studies addressed the management of patients with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy. These studies addressed abstinence from alcohol consumption and administration of vitamins. alcohol neuropathy stages However, it is known to be directly related to heavy and long-term alcohol consumption. Overconsumption of alcohol may directly harm and hinder the nerves’ ability to communicate information from one body area to another. A doctor may diagnose a person with alcoholic neuropathy, if alcohol use has damaged the peripheral nerves.
