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Four patients reported substantial loss of weight during the preceding 3 months. Medical history showed previous alcohol-related disease in 4 patients; however, preexisting symptoms or signs of peripheral neuropathy were denied by all patients and their referring physicians. A preceding infection was reported only by patient 4, who had suffered from an upper respiratory tract infection 2 weeks before the onset of neurological symptoms (Table 1). This is a form of nerve damage, known as alcoholic neuropathy, where heavy alcohol use damages the peripheral nerves — the ones that help you move (motor nerves) and feel physical sensations (sensory nerves).
Alcoholic neuropathy, also known as alcoholic peripheral neuropathy, refers to damage of the nerves due to chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. Affected nerves include the peripheral nerves, primarily located in the arms and legs, and the autonomic nerves, which help regulate our internal body functions. About 46% of chronic alcohol users will eventually develop this condition. Females, generally tend to drink less alcohol, are better abstainers, and present the smaller probability of the development of alcohol-related diseases [127, 128].
How Does Alcohol Impact Neurological Health?
The medical community has recognized that addiction is a disease and that some people are predisposed to it. As a result, it is usually necessary to get medical help to manage alcohol use disorder. Since nutritional deficiencies are partly to blame for alcoholic neuropathy, supplementation with vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and thiamine may be recommended. alcohol neuropathy Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition that can lead to chronic pain, loss of some bodily functions, and permanent disability. However, recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention early can minimize the impact of the condition. The best thing a person with alcoholic neuropathy can do is to stop or significantly reduce their alcohol intake.
However, impairments of autonomic functions are scarcer and less intensified, and, usually, clinical symptoms are delayed [156]. According to many studies, alcohol-induced autonomic neuropathy (AAN) not only leads to potential damage to internal organs but also increases the mortality rate of patients [157, 158]. It was observed that abstinence may lead to the regression of several symptoms of AAN [159]. Biomarkers of alcohol abuse include carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and phosphatidylethanol (PEth). CDT is an indirect metabolite of ethanol and constitutes either a marker of prolonged, heavy alcohol consumption or a marker of relapse.
Workup in alcoholic neuropathy
After more than 6 weeks, patient 3 also developed pathological spontaneous activity indicative of acute denervation, and later all patients who could be reexamined had EMG signs of reinnervation. This pattern of neurographic and EMG abnormalities was indicative of acute axonal polyneuropathy. Chronic alcohol consumption https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-abuse-and-narcissism-how-are-they-linked/ leads to malnutrition with dysfunctions in protein and lipid metabolism which affect the metabolic pathways and progression of ALN symptoms within the central and peripheral nervous systems [89]. The direct toxic effects of alcohol and its metabolites (mainly acetaldehyde) are crucial in ALN etiology [64].
Why do my legs go numb when I drink alcohol?
Alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the nerve fibers in the legs and arms. Alcohol can cause the degeneration of the myelin insulation of the nerve fiber as the nerve dies back from the feet and hands toward the upper leg and arm.
Individuals with alcoholic neuropathy often make a partial or full recovery, depending on the extent and duration of their alcohol consumption. Some researchers estimate that 65 percent of people in the United States who have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder also have alcoholic neuropathy. The only way to prevent alcoholic neuropathy is not to drink excessive amounts of alcohol.