Alcoholic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Has been contributing to medical fields including mental health and addiction since she retired from medicine; with over 19 years of practicing clinical experience. People who struggle with alcoholism should try to eat a healthy and balanced diet, even if they don’t feel hungry. Brian Obinna Obodeze is a professional health-niche content developer for AlcoRehab.org with six years of experience as a research writer. He is an expert in medical content development, especially in the field of addictions, general health, homeopathic medicine, and pharmaceuticals. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Benin and has worked as a Lab Scientist and as a public healthcare officer. There are several tests that can be done to diagnose alcohol neuropathy and usually, more than one is necessary.

• The first reports about the possible role of excessive alcohol consumption and induction of ALN were introduced in 1787 [60].
• The morphological basis of post-alcoholic damage of neural tissue includes primary axonopathy and secondary demyelination of motor and sensory (especially small) fibers [105].
• Once a person has completed a medical detox program, additional treatment for neuropathy can be integrated into their recovery treatment plan.
• Ethanol and its toxic degradation metabolites affect neuronal metabolism including the metabolic pathways of nucleus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, endoplasmatic reticulum and cytoplasm [21].
• Antiepileptic drugs, such as the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue (gabapentin), have proven helpful in some cases of neuropathic pain.
• The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves.

Symptoms of AAN are non-specific; in the sympathetic division, these include impairments in perspiration, orthostatic hypotension, whereas in parasympathetic hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, or cardiac arrhythmias [111, 166]. Gastrointestinal symptoms include delayed stomach emptying and intestinal transit, dyspepsia, and faster emptying of the gallbladder [165]. 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 prevalence of alcohol-induced PN varies depending on demographics and the diagnostic criteria used in individual research studies. According to studies by the CDC, nearly 30% of adults in the US consume alcohol excessively.

Alcohol-Induced Neuropathy in Chronic Alcoholism: Causes, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

There is a strong correlation between AAN and Child-Pugh scale which suggests that liver cirrhosis progression is related to impairments in ANS [172]. Alcohol-abusing patients with liver cirrhosis and vagus nerve neuropathy are at higher risk of a sudden death compared to patients without impairments within the nervous system [173, 174]. The symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy are caused by the degeneration of nerve cells’ axons from the toxic effects of alcohol, the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ long fibers that transmit electrical signs from nerve to nerve, and a loss of myelin, the fatty coating that protects nerves. Benfotiamine, a synthetic derivative of vitamin B1, improves neuropathic pain and motor movement by increasing nerve conduction velocity. A nutritious diet; vitamin supplements, especially vitamins B1 and B12; and reduction of or abstinence from alcohol use is the only way to improve the patient’s PN by allowing nerves to slowly regenerate.

Autonomic nerves are concerned with muscular functions which are reflexive, such as breathing, heartbeats and peristalsis (rhythmic movements of the intestines). Especially if you have been drinking heavily for many years, coping with alcohol use disorder is not easy. But with the proper resources to help you, you are better set up for success with sobriety.

Coping With Alcoholic Neuropathy

Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue, and alcohol abuse is one of the most frequent causes of neuropathy. According to studies, it is estimated that as many as 66% of individuals with chronic alcohol abuse may suffer from alcoholic polyneuropathy. Alcohol-induced PN can be managed with antiseizure medication, which has an anticholinergic effect on the alcohol neuropathy central and peripheral nervous systems and blocks the uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine to decrease pain perception. Gabapentin, pregabalin, and carbamazepine are commonly used to alleviate burning and stabbing dysesthesias. Tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline, desipramine, and nortriptyline, work similarly to the antiseizure medications.

• Desired outcomes of these medications include reduced pain and improved sleep.
• Multiple variables contribute to this painful neuropathic syndrome, including the toxic effects of alcohol on neurons and nutritional deficiencies.

If the withdrawal response did not occur in five applications of a particular filament, then the next monofilament would be applied in ascending order of thickness. 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]. There is no alcoholic neuropathy cure, but the first step to do is to stop drinking. The doctor might also suggest an inpatient detox or outpatient rehab in an alcohol treatment center if the patient’s alcohol disorder is severe. Symptoms of the disease can appear in the first 1–5 years of alcohol abuse and severe alcoholic polyneuropathy after ten years.