Even though alcoholic neuropathy may not go away, there are things you can do to cope with this condition. However, they usually worsen over time as the neuropathy progresses. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed at the beginning of this article, it is vital you seek medical diagnosis before coming to any conclusions or treatment plans. Alcoholic neuropathy is a serious disorder that is difficult to completely reverse or cure. If the disorder is caught in the very early stages and if action is taken quickly, then reversal is still possible.
The Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy and Treatment Options
More recent research, however, suggests that alcohol can directly damage nerves. The evidence points toward alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy being a form of toxic neuropathy, rather than nutritional neuropathy. Often, the side effects of alcoholic polyneuropathy are permanent. They get worse with more alcohol consumption, so if you stop drinking and seek professional medical attention, you can manage the symptoms of the disorder and potentially keep the nerve damage from worsening.
Alcoholic Neuropathy Prognosis
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. When the body is exposed to toxic compounds, the system is at risk of developing neuropathy. The toxins can impact the nerve cells and interfere with their function.
What are the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy?
- Alcoholic neuropathy, also called alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy, is nerve damage in the body caused by the toxic effects of alcohol.
- A program that caters to co-occurring disorders ensures that the alcoholism is being treated and so are any other medical or mental health issues.
- The actions you can take also vary widely depending on many factors, and what helps one person may not be as effective for another.
- Nothing guarantees a successful recovery from alcoholic neuropathy.
The histologic features of sural nerve biopsy specimens demonstrated small fibre predominant axonal loss as characteristic of the pure form of alcoholic neuropathy. A medical detox program followed by a comprehensive alcohol rehab program can manage alcoholism and help a person to get sober and stay that way. Many alcohol rehab programs help to manage co-occurring disorders, such as alcoholic polyneuropathy.
A blood chemistry test does not directly show if someone has alcoholic neuropathy. Instead, this test can point doctors and medical experts in the right direction. It looks at things like liver and kidney functions and blood sugar levels.
- Because of this interruption, the feet and hands tend to feel weaker.
- So, the nervous system is bound to suffer when you consume too much alcohol.
- Women are more likely to develop alcohol polyneuropathy and suffer from a more rapid onset and greater severity.
- Whether or not it’s serious depends on many factors, including the symptoms it causes, how severely it affects nerves and more.
- You should also talk to them if you experience side effects from any treatments.
- Located in Boise, Idaho, Northpoint Recovery is proud to offer quality drug and alcohol detox as well as alcohol and drug rehab and mental health treatment programs in the Treasure Valley.
Persons with alcoholism may consume smaller amounts of essential nutrients and vitamins and/or exhibit impaired gastrointestinal absorption of these nutrients secondary to the direct effects of alcohol. Oxidative stress is known to play a very important role in experimental animal models of neuropathic pain. Naik et al. [38] suggested the involvement of oxidative stress in experimentally induced chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve model in rats.
Evaluation & Tests
But, the pain is not the only troublesome aspect of alcohol-related neuropathy. The Peripheral Neuropathy Research Registry (PNRR) is a unique and invaluable resource to researchers and patients alike. This biobank is a set of patient data and samples intended for research use. With new research, there is always new opportunity for advancements in treatment and prevention strategies. Consultation with a nutritionist may be indicated to help formulate strategies for replacement of essential nutrients in malnourished alcoholic patients.
Peripheral neuropathy is common, partly because this term refers to so many conditions. About 2.4% of people globally alcohol neuropathy have a form of peripheral neuropathy. Among people 45 and older, that percentage rises to between 5% and 7%.
- Glutamate concentrations are elevated in the superficial dorsal horn of rats after chronic ligature of the sciatic nerve [79].
- That’s why a huge portion of alcohol abusers are at risk of developing alcoholic neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is a sign of a problem with the nerve signals traveling between parts of your body and your brain. While this can happen for minor reasons that aren’t serious, it can also happen because of severe or dangerous conditions. It’s also sometimes possible to stop or reverse certain types of neuropathies if treatment begins quickly enough. Because of these factors, you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose and self-treat it. A healthcare provider is the best person to guide you in managing this condition.
Who does peripheral neuropathy affect?
Alcoholic neuropathy refers to nerve damage resulting from chronic heavy alcohol use. Symptoms may include numbness and tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness, and loss of mobility. In addition, a support group can help you cope with the life changes you’re experiencing as a result of your condition.