The psychological impact of chronic conditions such as alcoholic neuropathy should not be underestimated. Counseling or therapy can help us cope with the emotional and mental challenges of a lengthy recovery process. Alcoholic neuropathy requires a comprehensive treatment approach focused on both halting the condition’s progression and alleviating its symptoms.
Involvement of the sympatho-adrenal and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in alcoholic peripheral neuropathy
There’s a possibility for little to no improvement in these cases for certain symptoms. It is thought to be caused by the direct toxic effect of alcohol on the nerve cells. Elevated levels of toxins in the body and inflammation caused by alcohol may be responsible for harming the nerves and hindering their ability to function properly. Motor symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps and spasms, particularly in the lower limbs. Over time, severe muscle weakness may result in muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes and difficulty maintaining balance.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time
Telling your doctor that you abuse alcohol is crucial because the symptoms are so similar. By Heidi Moawad, MDHeidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders. Dr. Moawad regularly writes and edits health and career content for medical books and publications.
A Review of Nonsurgical Neurolytic Procedures for Neuropathic Pain
However, recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention early may minimize the impact of the condition. A doctor may also want to test the functioning of the kidneys, liver, and thyroid. In addition, they may order blood tests to check for vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. Treatment for alcoholism may include counseling, social support such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or medicines. 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.
- You can be diagnosed through physical examinations, nerve conduction tests, nerve biopsy, blood or urine tests, and imaging.
- Alcoholic neuropathy damages the nerves due to prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption.
- A comprehensive rehab program with a medical detox component can help alcoholics get sober and stay that way.
- If the disorder is caught in the very early stages and if action is taken quickly, then reversal is still possible.
- This waste then builds up and harms many regions of the body, including the nerves.
Similarly, ALA may lower blood sugar levels when taken with an antidiabetic (blood sugar lowering) medication. ALA is relatively safe and well tolerated, even when taken above the recommended dosage. However, doses greater than 1,200 mg may induce gastrointestinal side effects.
Role of acetaldehyde in alcoholic neuropathy
- These symptoms can be mild at first, but they can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Electrical nerve stimulation sends a small electrical current through the skin and nerves that can help with sensitivities and pain, making it an option for treatment.
- The treatment and recovery process is different for everyone, as everyone’s situation is unique.
- A deficiency of vitamin B1 in chronic alcoholics can be due to inadequate dietary intake, reduced capacity for hepatic storage, inhibition of intestinal transport and absorption or decreased formation of the active coenzyme form.
Pain relief typically ranges from 3 to 12 months, with repeat neurolytic procedures often required to maintain suitable levels of pain relief. For instance, it can’t remedy reduced sensation, muscle weakness and coordination or balance problems. There are other ways that neuropathy affects the body, including sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, impaired speech, difficulty swallowing, intolerance to heat and dizziness. The progression of alcoholic neuropathy is gradual, and it can take months or even years to see many of these symptoms appear. However, other factors might contribute to the development of the condition.
Increased Pain and Hypersensitivity
People who drink heavily on a regular basis and alcohol neuropathy have one or more of the following symptoms should contact a doctor.
- The subgroup without thiamine deficiency consisted of 36 patients, while the subgroup with thiamine deficiency consisted of 28 patients.
- A significant decrease in the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and an increase in lipid peroxidation were observed in sciatic nerves of diabetic rats with established neuropathic pain 40.
- Recognizing and addressing these underlying causes, along with seeking professional help to overcome alcohol addiction, is critical in preventing further damage.
- In fact, a person who drinks heavily might not recognize that the symptoms they are experiencing are related to their alcohol consumption.
Injection of (S)-2,6-diamino-N-1-(oxotridecyl)-2-piperidinylmethyl hexanamide dihydrochloride (NPC15437), a selective PKC inhibitor, once a day for a week after 4 weeks of ethanol treatment. Moreover, phosphorylated PKC was significantly increased in the spinal cord following chronic ethanol consumption. These findings constitute direct evidence that spinal PKC plays a substantial role in the development and maintenance of an ethanol-dependent neuropathic pain-like state in rats. Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time causes nerve damage that can lead to the onset of alcoholic neuropathy.
What are the early signs of alcoholic neuropathy?
Abstaining from alcohol can help restore your nutritional health, improve your symptoms, and prevent further nerve damage. Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition caused by excessive alcohol use. Damage to the drug addiction nerves leads to unusual sensations in the limbs, reduced mobility, and loss of some bodily functions. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements may reduce nerve damage and improve symptoms of neuropathy.