Alcohol
Alcohol-related nerve damage
Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue, and alcohol abuse is one of the most frequent causes of neuropathy. According to studies, it is estimated that as many as 66% of individuals with chronic alcohol abuse may suffer from alcoholic polyneuropathy.
People affected by alcoholic neuropathy may feel burning and tingling sensations in their feet, which may persist or may last from a few months to a few years. People with alcoholic neuropathy who stop drinking may alleviate their current symptoms and prevent further nerve deterioration. Damage to nerves caused by alcoholic neuropathy, however, is usually permanent.
Chronic alcoholism is often associated with malnutrition and nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, including B12, B1 (thiamine), folate and other B vitamins. It may be hard to distinguish nutrition-related neuropathies from alcoholic neuropathy.
6%
Approximately 6% of the US adult population has alcohol use disorder (AUD)
50%
PN is estimated to affect between 10% and 50% of chronic alcoholics
8%
US men have a higher rate of AUD of around 8%
Symptoms & Signs
(Not all symptoms and signs may be present)
- Pain
- “Pins and needles”
- Numbness
- Balance disorders
- Muscle weakness, cramps, or aches
- Muscle spasms / contractions
- Tingling
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Incontinence (leaking urine) or difficulty with urination
- Impotence in men
- Nausea / vomiting
Evaluation & Tests
(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary)
- Neurological exam
- Needle electromyography
- Nerve conduction test
- Nerve biopsy
- Lab tests
- Diabetes testing – diabetic neuropathy can have a similar presentation
- Serum chemistries
- Upper GI and small bowel series
Treatment & Therapy
- Seek treatment for alcoholism
- Stop drinking (psychiatry referral, alchohol abstinence abuse programs, and support groups have shown favorable ways to help patients recover from alcohol use disorder)
- Supplement diet with vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B12, folate and vitamin E. Too much vitamin B6, however, may worsen peripheral neuropathy
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Use of orthopedic appliances, such as orthotic devices, which may be covered by Medicaid.
- Take safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation.
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