Before an official diagnosis of alcoholic neuropathy, physicians will usually have blood tests done to rule out any other issues that might be leading to neuropathic symptoms. This will also look for deficiencies in some of the nutrients listed above, like niacin, thiamine, and others. Four studies addressed the management of patients with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy. These studies addressed abstinence from alcohol consumption and administration of vitamins. The damage from alcohol-related neuropathy may be the direct result of alcohol addiction.
- While simply “cutting back” can be slightly beneficial, most sufferers of neuropathy from alcohol dependence will only see results after getting really and truly sober.
- If it affects two or more nerves in different areas, it’s called multiple mononeuropathy, and if it affects many nerves, it’s called polyneuropathy.
- Studies show that 25-66% of chronic alcohol users have neuropathy.2 This research indicates that alcohol misuse is a significant risk factor for developing nerve damage, including alcoholic polyneuropathy.
Drug Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
Early diagnosis and treatment give you the best chance for controlling your symptoms and preventing further damage to your peripheral nerves. Alcohol neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage due to excessive alcohol consumption, can be mitigated and prevented through a multifaceted approach. Treatment involves reducing or eliminating alcohol intake to prevent further nerve damage and managing symptoms through medications, physical therapy, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Results
Other causes what is alcoholism can lead to neuropathy besides alcohol, so your healthcare provider may order additional tests to confirm what has caused your symptoms. For instance, they may check your thyroid function, neurons, electrolyte levels, and heart health. Early diagnosis and treatment make it more likely that you will be able to recover. Alcohol also alters the function of the stomach, liver, and kidneys in ways that prevent the body from properly detoxifying waste material, which then builds up and harms many regions of the body, including the nerves. Thus, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to assess of this molecule in alcoholic neuropathy. Thus, it is clear that all the above pathways are potential targets for novel pharmacological agents for the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy.
Walk-In Rehab Options for Alcohol Addiction in Georgia
- Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe consequence of excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption.
- However, stopping consuming alcohol sooner can help stop the progression of nerve damage.
- The best way to prevent all alcohol-related nerve damage, including alcoholic polyneuropathy symptoms, is to avoid excessive use of alcohol.
- It’s one of the symptoms of alcoholism, and it’s physically felt, typically manifesting as pain or tingling in our limbs—at least, at first.
- It can also cause muscle atrophy and weakness, and is sometimes degenerative, leading to movement disorders.
To combat these deficiencies, https://contagio.krisennews.ch/2022/07/27/how-long-does-rehab-last-a-timeline-for-addiction/ supplementation with vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and thiamine may be recommended. However, nerve damage is sometimes permanent, and your symptoms are likely to worsen if you don’t stop drinking. This could lead to disability, chronic pain, and damage to your arms and legs.
Prevalence of alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy amongst those with polyneuropathy
- 7 Controversy surrounds the pathogenic role of alcohol in development of this neuropathy.
- It is important to note that doctors will recommend different combinations of treatment options for different people.
- The evidence of positive dynamics at peripheral and segmental nerve system level was supported by neurophysiological data.
- Reduced glutathione is a major low molecular weight scavenger of free radicals in cytoplasm.
Alcohol impairs the absorption of thiamine (vitamin B1), and other vitamins, in your intestine. Vitamin deficiencies, especially thiamine, have been linked to developing alcoholic polyneuropathy. This may help prevent medicine dependence and other side effects of chronic use. alcoholic neuropathy Nerves don’t have a resilient ability to regenerate if they are severely damaged.
Nerve Damage
At present, we don’t know the exact number of people affected by this condition. However, studies suggest that up to 66% of individuals with chronic alcohol use disorder may suffer from some form of the disease. 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.
Alcoholic neuropathy is a relatively new discovery1, describing the nerve damage that alcohol can cause. Symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can manifest in different body parts. The Recovery Village Atlanta has experienced treatment professionals available to help you live a healthier life.