This damage affects signaling functions, causes nutritional deficiency, and interferes with the endogenous antioxidants (metabolism) in the human body. In the long-term, the heavy intake results in neuropathic pain. We’ve all heard the devastating effects of alcohol dependence on the body and the mind. Cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, mouth and throat cancers, hepatitis – these are just some of this disorder’s risks. One of the lesser–known effects, however, is alcoholic neuropathy, a damaging of the nerve cells that can cause pain, burning sensations, numbness, and a variety of other problems as well. And as with most diseases, spotting the signs early is absolutely key to mitigating its harmful effects.
- If liver damage is evident, appropriate consultation with a transplantation service is recommended.
- Thus, these vitamin deficiencies were not considered to be major causal factors of neuropathy [26].
- They will do a physical exam, assess your medical history, do nerve and blood tests if necessary.
- Early diagnosis and treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy may help to reduce the risk of complications.
- He didn’t think much of it and continued on with his “party” lifestyle.
Clinical management of alcoholic neuropathy
The diagnostic process may involve neurological examination, blood tests, and electromyography. Some of the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can be partially reversed. But if the neuropathy becomes advanced, it might not be reversible. Having a healthcare professional come to your house to assist with your needs can relieve a lot of added stress on you to keep track of your treatment plan alone.
- We found more potent effects with tocotrienol as compared with α-tocopherol [55].
- With a healthy diet, you can halt its effect on the nerves and move to a full or partial recovery.
- A wide range of support networks and medical treatments are available.
- Alcohol can have significant negative effects on the central nervoussystem (CNS).
- Ongoing therapy and counseling can address the psychological aspects of addiction and help develop strategies for coping with the challenges of neuropathy.
- We’ve all heard the devastating effects of alcohol dependence on the body and the mind.
Other Risk Factors
If your drinking is out of your control, know that many treatment options are available. The primary treatment for alcoholic neuropathy is seeking help for alcohol use disorder. Talk with your doctor about treatment and support options available to you. Nerve damage from chronic alcohol consumption can develop over several years. The sooner you recognize the condition, the easier it is to treat it.
What Are the Health Conditions that Mimic Alcohol-Induced Neuropathy?
Symptoms can include numbness in hands and feet, digestive issues, and loss of balance due to loss of nerve function. These are some other questions people often ask about alcoholic neuropathy. However, experts still do not have a full understanding of how alcoholic neuropathy happens, which can make treatment challenging. In a 2019 article, researchers explain that breaking down alcohol in the body produces a chemical that damages axons. Axons are the groups of nerve fibers that carry impulses between the brain and the nervous system.
How soon does alcoholism cause neuropathy?
The peripheral nerves transmit signals between the body, the spinal cord, and the brain. Vitamin E is used to refer to a group of fat-soluble compounds that include both tocopherols and tocotrienols. Treatment with vitamin E was found to is alcoholic neuropathy dangerous be beneficial in the treatment of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy [104] and neuropathic pain in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats [105]. We found more potent effects with tocotrienol as compared with α-tocopherol [55].
Traumatic Brain Injury
- They can get you on an alcohol treatment plan that’ll help stop the progression of these symptoms even further and may actually improve the condition (though the science is still out on that).
- This article reviews alcoholic neuropathy and its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
- The most important thing you can do to treat this condition is to stop drinking.
Causes and Symptoms
