Alcoholic polyneuropathy can also result in muscle atrophy, spasms, and trouble swallowing (dysphagia) as well as speech problems (dysarthria). If you’re experiencing symptoms or are concerned about how alcohol may be affecting your health, contact us today. Let us help you take back control and rediscover a life free from alcohol. However, it is most common among people with a history of heavy, long-term alcohol use. Over a period of several months or years, these continuing abnormalities will likely develop into more severe symptoms that directly impacts one’s quality of life in a variety of ways. As a result, this leads to alcohol-induced neuropathy in an estimated half to two-thirds of chronic alcohol users in the United States.
Treatment Options for Alcoholic Neuropathy
Diagnosis usually involves a healthcare provider collecting a medical history, performing a medical and neurological exam, and performing blood and urine tests. Treatment options include steps to quit alcohol use and managing symptoms of the disease. This condition is typically not life-threatening, but the nerve damage from alcoholic neuropathy is usually permanent. Alcoholic neuropathy affects people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period of time. About 46% of all chronic alcohol users may eventually develop this Alcoholics Anonymous condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy
The central nervous system is a complex and resilient system of nerves and organs that allows us to sense and interact with our surroundings and monitor the internal state of our own bodies. But this system also requires care and can be harmed in a variety of different ways. Physical therapy and orthopedic appliances (such as splints) may be needed to maintain muscle function and limb position. Autonomic nerves are concerned with muscular functions which are reflexive, such as breathing, heartbeats and peristalsis (rhythmic movements of the intestines). Doctors will help you mitigate the damage, while a physician may prescribe various supplements that will replenish your system. If necessary, you may be advised to take pain medications, unless you already have a dependency on opioids.
Psychosocial Impacts
Axonal degeneration and demyelination of neurons were seen in both humans and lab mice receiving alcohol. The cause is a diverse multifactorial process https://ecosoberhouse.com/ caused by damage by free radicals, the release of inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. Once alcohol use has been addressed, a doctor can focus on treating alcohol-related neuropathy itself. Treatment will depend on the type, location, and severity of your symptoms. Many support systems and professional services are available in person or online to help you on your journey. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for alcohol-related neuropathy.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
- And Dr. Valerie Monteiro, D.C. Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro are the founders of the San Antonio Neuropathy Center, and Precision Sport & Spine.
- Some of the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can be lessened with medication.
- Typically, that overproduction occurs when people consume food that has too many purines.
- Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed as a alcohol neuropathy stages way to manage pain. In general, it takes years for alcoholic neuropathy to develop, so a long-standing history of heavy alcohol use is typical. Some people experience a faster onset and progression of alcoholic neuropathy than others. It’s not completely clear why some people are more prone to this complication than others. Experts believe that the ideal treatment option should be to halt the damage done to the peripheral nerves and focus on restoring their normal function. The ideal way to do that is with proper and complete alcohol abstinence and implementing vitamin B supplements along with a well-balanced diet.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a specific type of alcohol-related brain damage caused by a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
- After stopping alcohol, acute alcoholic myopathy will often resolve within weeks.
- One of the key nutrients inhibited by alcohol is thiamine, vitamin B1.
- These symptoms can range from mild to severe and if left untreated, may become permanent.
- Some people with thyroid, kidney or liver disorders, autoimmune conditions or those exposed to prolonged stress can be at risk of alcoholic neuropathy.
Four Main Categories of Nerve Damage
The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation. However, it is possible for patients to experience full relief once they learn how to manage their symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can take weeks to even years to cope with the impact left by the neuropathy. Doctors will use a combination of diagnostic procedures to determine whether you have alcoholic neuropathy. They will do a physical exam, assess your medical history, do nerve and blood tests if necessary.
- However, excessive alcohol consumption can force the cells in a person’s liver to work harder than normal.
- Water and beverages rich in vitamins, particularly B vitamins (e.g., fortified juices), can support nerve health.
- You may develop difficulty walking or start to feel notably weaker and less dexterous in affected areas.
- Treatment options include steps to quit alcohol use and managing symptoms of the disease.
Manifestation of Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy in Different Body Parts
A systematic review suggests that 46.3% of people who engage in chronic heavy alcohol use have alcoholic neuropathy. Alcoholic neuropathy requires a comprehensive treatment approach focused on both halting the condition’s progression and alleviating its symptoms. This dual strategy is essential to manage the condition effectively and improve our quality of life. Some over-the-counter or prescription pain medications or antidepressants might also be necessary, in addition to approaches like physical therapy to increase strength in atrophied muscles.