By Heidi Moawad, MD

Heidi 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. Especially if you have been drinking heavily for many years, coping with alcohol use disorder is not easy.

An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) may be needed to assist patients with weak ankle dorsiflexion, eversion, and/or plantar flexion. This device also can help with ankle proprioception and can improve gait and prevent ankle alcohol neuropathy sprains. Vigilant foot care and the use of shoes with an enlarged toe box are useful in preventing foot ulcers. If liver damage is evident, appropriate consultation with a transplantation service is recommended.

How does this condition affect my body?

All patients had a normal CSF cell count, normal or slightly elevated CSF protein level, normal CSF–serum albumin quotient, and neither oligoclonal bands nor autochthonous IgG production on repeated examinations (Table 3). Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCV) will then be necessary to assess, not the cause of the prospective neuropathy, but the severity of the nerve damage. Some experts believe it has more to do with the alcohol’s activation of mGlue5 receptors, or perhaps its ability to trigger the sympathoadrenal and hypothalami-pituitary-adrenal axis. Alcoholic neuropathy is simply peripheral neuropathy triggered by the excessive consumption of alcohol over extended periods of time. Constant pain in the hands or feet is one of the most bothersome aspects of alcoholic neuropathy. As the condition progresses, the pain may vary in intensity, sometimes diminishing for months at a time before worsening again.

• For those who do stay sober, while recovery may not be 100% in most cases, the difference can be between constant pain and agony up to slightly bothersome and having bad days.
• For instance, they may check your thyroid function, electrolyte levels, and your heart health.
• Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition that can lead to chronic pain, loss of some bodily functions, and permanent disability.

However, some people are at greater risk for specific types of peripheral neuropathy (see below under Causes and Symptoms for more about this). When the nerve is damaged, it https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/am-i-an-alcoholic-do-i-have-a-drinking-problem/ affects the axons responsible for sending electrical signals to other nerves. Chronic alcohol use also damages the protective coating around the nerve called the myelin.

How Does Alcohol Impact Neurological Health?

In the meantime, if at all possible, try to limit your alcohol consumption, and don’t hesitate to contact a recovery center such as AspenRidge or one closer to home to help you through this trying time. While not specifically approved for the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy, antidepressants are often prescribed to help control the pain. Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed as a way to manage pain. A person can improve their outlook by significantly reducing or cutting off their alcohol intake and ensuring that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients. A person who drinks alcohol in excess may start to feel a tingling sensation in their limbs.

Considerable loss of myelinated axons of large and small calibers and wallerian degeneration of large myelinated axons, but no further disease-specific features, were found on light microscopy. Additionally, electron microscopy disclosed several sets of Schwann cell processes without axons after loss of primarily unmyelinated nerve fibers. Impaired liver function was documented by an increased γ-glutamyltransferase level in all patients, and hypoproteinemia (total protein, fibrinogen) or coagulation deficit (international normalized ratio) in 4 patients. Macrocytic anemia was present in 4 patients, although only 2 patients displayed vitamin deficiency, 1 being deficient in vitamin B6 and 1 other in folate.

What is the most common treatment for peripheral neuropathy?

Such an effect could result in increased absorption of the metal, greater movement from the deposit organs and reduced elimination (Roggi et al., 1995). Coasting is a major feature of alcoholic neuropathy, largely due to chronic alcohol abuse. Even though much research was done in this area, still we do not have a full understanding of the mechanism of alcoholic neuropathy.

ALN further manifests as weakness and atrophy of muscles due to the damage of greater motor fibers and impaired neuromuscular transmission. Chronic heavy drinkers may be at risk for several different alcohol-related neurological issues. Table 6 presents the relationship between ENG diagnosis of polyneuropathy, alcohol misuse and the misuse of other substances (tobacco smoking, heroin, cocaine and cannabinols). — In the present study, we investigated the frequency of polyneuropathy in a sample of 296 alcoholics who were admitted to the ‘S.