Many people with alcohol abuse problems alcoholism also suffer from a poor diet. A poor diet that lacks vitamin B12 or folate can result in peripheral neuropathy. People affected by alcoholic neuropathy may feel burning and tingling sensations in their feet, which may persist or may last from a few months to a few years. People with alcoholic neuropathy who stop drinking may alleviate their current symptoms and prevent further nerve deterioration.
How Does Alcohol Impact Neurological Health?
Long-term excessive alcohol usage can result in a nerve condition known as alcoholic neuropathy. Reduced sensation, pain/hypersensitivity, muscle weakness, and autonomic symptoms are the four primary categories of alcoholic neuropathy’s effects, which are caused by nerve injury. The severity of the neuropathy and the person’s past alcohol use both have alcohol neuropathy an impact on how long it takes to recover from alcoholic neuropathy, which varies greatly from person to person. If they stop drinking and get the right help right once, those with moderate neuropathic symptoms and a shorter history of alcohol misuse may recover more quickly and significantly.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy
Thirteen studies provided data from the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ biopsy of the sural nerve or the skin in patients with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy. Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy appears to be characterised by severe loss of myelinated fibres; and although profound small fibre loss can also be present, this appears to occur more variably 3, 51, 53, 59, 85. The data indicates that there is both small and large fibre loss in alcohol-related neuropathy, but that small fibre loss is generally predominant 3, 51, 53, 56, 59, 63, 86. The primary axonal damage and secondary demyelination of motor and sensory fibres (especially small diameter fibres) are considered to constitute the morphologic basis of alcoholic damage to nerve tissue at present 20. The demyelination is explained as the result of a slowing down (decceleration) of axoplasmic flow and a degradation of the quality of biological properties of axonal enzymes and proteins.
Support Groups and Resources for People with Alcoholic Neuropathy
When no cause is found despite thorough evaluation, the prognosis is usually favorable. Idiopathic neuropathy tends to progress slowly or remain stable, and does not affect life expectancy. If you or a loved one is struggling with these conditions, it is vital to seek help and support to overcome the challenges.
Alcoholic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy may be different for each individual. Some may experience only one symptom, while others experience several. Antioxidants found in berries, peaches, cherries, red grapes, oranges, and watermelon, among other foods, aid in lowering inflammation and lessen nerve damage.
The Recovery Village Columbus offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs to meet your needs and facilitate your healing journey. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. In addition to those listed, another useful test is Needle Electromyography (EMG). This test is often employed in cases of alcohol-related nerve disease and can reveal specific signs such as sharp pulse waves, rapid muscle twitching and complex repetitive discharges.
- The most serious symptoms are those impacting essential body functions.
- While vitamin supplementation can be beneficial, it is not sufficient if alcohol consumption continues.
Clinical symptoms associated with alcoholic peripheral neuropathy
Thiamine, also known as the antiberiberi factor or antineuritic factor, is an essential vitamin in the metabolism of pyruvate and has a role in the health of the peripheral nervous system. Thiamine deficiency is commonly found in alcoholic patients, due to decreased absorption and hepatic depletion. Other studies have linked the direct toxic effects of alcohol on peripheral nerves with development of neuropathy. A combination of nutritional deficiency and direct toxicity is likely involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic neuropathy, and these effects may be additive. 18, 19 Alcohol also has been implicated in the development of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and various cranial neuropathies, including optic neuropathy and vagus neuropathy.
Use the free online insurance coverage checker tool below to find out if your health insurance provides coverage for addiction rehab and other rehabilitation treatment plans for substance abuse recovery. 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. Pain, tingling, muscle weakness, and a loss of coordination, particularly in the hands and feet.
Treatment for alcoholic neuropathy
The projections that transmit electrical impulses from one nerve to another, known as axons, are usually impacted by nerve injury. It also damages myelin, the fatty coating that surrounds and protects the nerves. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room.
There was not however, complete resolution of symmetric neuropathy with persistent mild loss of vibration sense or pinprick sensation in the feet or loss of ankle tendon reflexes. In addition, a support group can help you cope with the life changes you’re experiencing as a result of your condition. You might look for a support group specifically for alcoholic neuropathy or for people coping with chronic pain. You may also benefit from a support group to help you reduce your drinking or completely quit drinking alcohol.