Alcohol-Induced Neuropathy in Chronic Alcoholism: Causes, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options Current Pathobiology Reports

The aim of this systematic review is to characterise the presentation of alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy, to determine the typical ancillary test results, to establish the importance of various risk factors and to explore the likely pathogenetic mechanisms. Due to the breadth of the literature surrounding this topic, this review shall focus exclusively upon peripheral neuropathy, without discussing autonomic neuropathy. However, it is known to be directly related to heavy and long-term alcohol consumption. Overconsumption of alcohol may directly harm and hinder the nerves’ ability to communicate information from one body area to another. In people with alcoholic neuropathy, the peripheral nerves have been damaged by too much alcohol use.

You might look for a support group specifically for alcoholic neuropathy or for people coping with chronic pain. You may also benefit from a support group to help you reduce your drinking or completely quit drinking alcohol. Sometimes alcohol causes such severe damage to the body that a liver transplant may be necessary. In that case, there may be some improvement in the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy after the liver transplant, but often, the neuropathy is so advanced that there may be little, if any, improvement, even after a transplant. There are no medications that can help improve loss of sensation, strengthen muscle weakness, or assist with the coordination and balance problems caused by alcoholic neuropathy.

A connection between MEK/ERK signaling and alcoholic neuropathy

This level of nerve damage has caused the nerves in your feet to be all but dead, making you incapable of walking without assistance, and many patients in this phase will need a wheelchair to move around. If you notice symptoms in the early stages of neuropathy, it will be much easier for you to treat or even reverse the damage done to your nerves. Pay attention to the signs, especially in the first two stages to start getting the treatment you need. The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to manage medical conditions that put you at risk. People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. Sometimes symptoms get better, especially if caused by a condition that can be treated.

• Although benfotiamine therapy was superior to Milgamma-N or placebo for all parameters, results reached statistical significance only for motor function, paralysis and overall neuropathy score.
• Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue, and alcohol abuse is one of the most frequent causes of neuropathy.
• Reduced recruitment pattern of motor units was a frequently reported outcome [16, 28, 67, 70].
• Her passion to help others led her to pursue CADC certification, where she will complete all requirements within the next year.

The role thiamine plays in the pathogenesis and treatment of ALN is still unclear. The possibility that thiamine may be a cofactor or modulating factor, but not the main etiologic factor causing ALN, has to be entertained. This possibility opens the door to consideration of other possible causes, including problems with thiamine utilization unique to alcohol abuse or alcohol as a direct neurotoxin in which thiamine deficiency may be a superadded problem (Fig. 1).

Malnutrition and Micronutrients Deficiency

It is defined by axonal degeneration in neurons of both the sensory and motor systems and initially occurs at the distal ends of the longest axons in the body. This nerve damage causes an individual to experience pain and motor weakness, first in the feet and hands and then progressing centrally. Alcoholic polyneuropathy is caused primarily by chronic alcoholism; however, vitamin deficiencies are also known to contribute to its development. This disease typically occurs in chronic alcoholics who have some sort of nutritional deficiency. Treatment may involve nutritional supplementation, pain management, and abstaining from alcohol.

In 2013 Ryan transferred to the Surgery Department, initially assisting with patient transport, and then advancing to the role of Sterilization Tech. Jack joined the clinical team at Hemet Valley Recovery Center in 2018 with 22 years of experience in the field of Chemical Dependency, in Men’s alcohol neuropathy stages and Woman’s Residential Recovery Programs, Outpatient Clinics, and Drunk Driver Programs. 23 years ago Jack dedicated his life to helping others learn a new way of living free of active addiction. Jack is committed to spirituality, family, humor, and helping the community overcome addiction.

Animals

Four studies addressed the management of patients with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy. These studies addressed abstinence from alcohol consumption and administration of vitamins. N-acetylcysteine, an amino acid, is a potent antioxidant and helps to enhance glutathione concentrations. N-acetylcysteine may have application in the prevention or treatment of neuropathy.

• Thus, it is quite possible that chronic alcohol consumption is responsible for inducing neuropathy by activation of the caspase cascade and may be an important target for the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy.
• An elevated carbohydrate-deficient transferrin level is a sensitive indicator of chronic heavy alcohol consumption.
• Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that may improve neuropathic pain.
• Izumi et al. [73] also demonstrated that a single day of ethanol exposure in rats on post natal day 7 results in significant apoptotic neuronal damage throughout the forebrain after 24 h of ethanol administration.

In 2024 he will pursue his Master’s in Clinical Counseling on his way to ultimately become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Shaun’s goal is to help people realize their potential in recovery and heal no matter what they have been through. Dolly joined Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat in February 2020 as an RADT. Her experience with HVRC initially included Sober Living House Manager, Resident Tech, and Chemical Dependency Intern. In early 2022, Dolly received her CADCI certification, with a specialization as a Women’s Treatment Specialist. At that time, she assumed the position of Chemical Dependency Counselor/ Case Manager.

Management of alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy : Nursing made Incredibly Easy

Probably the most common symptom of mild neuropathy is chronic prickling, burning, or numbness in the arms and legs. In more severe cases, muscles will cramp, suffer frequent spasms, or even become too weak to function. People with extreme neuropathy may develop chronic (essential) tremor or other movement disorders. A person who drinks alcohol in excess may start to feel a tingling sensation in their limbs. Physical exam findings include diminished sensation to vibration, pain, dysfunctional thermo-proprioception, weakness in the ankle and toes with flexion and extension, atrophy of foot muscles, gait ataxia, and diminished deep tendon reflexes.