25 Nov Alcoholic Polyneuropathy Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment
Nerves help you to move (motor nerves) and feel physical sensations (sensory nerves). Some of your bodily functions are autonomic, which means that you don’t directly control them. Nerves that are part of the autonomic nervous system help to regulate heart rate, body temperature, respiration, and blood pressure. Polyneuropathy involves damage to more than one nerve at alcohol neuropathy the same time, usually multiple nerves throughout the peripheral nervous system and all over the body.
How Can You Prevent Alcoholic Neuropathy?
Individuals with alcoholic neuropathy can make a partial or full recovery, depending on the extent and duration of their alcohol consumption. A doctor may suggest an inpatient detox when a person’s alcohol use disorder is very severe. They may also recommend other options, such as medications for alcohol reduction or cessation maintenance, support groups, and psychotherapy. Excessive, long-term consumption of alcohol can lead to malnutrition as well as nerve damage, and both contribute to the development of alcoholic neuropathy. Notably, mindfulness produced long-term pain relief, whereas the benefits of CBT were less apparent after treatment had ended.
- However, people with alcoholic neuropathy can make healthy changes to minimize symptoms and receive help for chronic alcohol use.
- You might experience lightheadedness, a feeling that can significantly impact your daily activities.
- It’s important to note that if the nerve damage is severe or has been going on for a long time, full recovery might not be possible.
- Continued alcohol use can lead to further nerve damage and exacerbate your symptoms.
What Is Neuropathy? Definition, Symptoms, & Causes
- However, other factors might contribute to the development of the condition.
- People who consume more than 40 grams of alcohol per day over an extended period may develop cirrhosis, a form of alcoholic liver disease.
- Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, which can be caused by prolonged alcohol consumption.
- This condition can be identified through blood tests, which can detect levels of essential nutrients in the body.
Alcoholic neuropathy can result in hypersensitivity to touch and even resting pain. Light touch can feel exaggerated and painful, particularly in the fingers and toes. The sooner you stop drinking alcohol, the more favorable your outlook is if you have alcohol-related drug addiction neuropathy. Research suggests you can recover from some or all of the nerve damage caused by alcohol-related neuropathy. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
What treatment options are available for alcoholic neuropathy?
They can also help you perform daily tasks safely, such as testing bath water temperature with gloves to prevent skin irritation. You can also see a physical therapist to help rebuild your muscle strength. Sensations like tingling or burning might begin in your hands and feet and gradually widen their reach. Muscle weakening can make simple tasks seem challenging, while a heightened sensitivity to heat might make you uncomfortable in warm environments. These check-ups allow for early intervention in case of any health issues that might contribute to neuropathy, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. Managing stress effectively is important for your overall health, including nerve health.
Alcoholic Neuropathy
Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed as a way to manage pain. 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. Alcohol-related neuropathy is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals between the body, spinal cord, and brain. A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy or if they are concerned about their alcohol use. A person can improve their outlook by significantly reducing or stopping their alcohol intake and ensuring that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients.
Medical History and Physical Examination
If you or your loved one’s nutrient levels are very low, this may predict or otherwise explain why you are experiencing these symptoms. Additional testing of the kidneys, liver, upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the nerves directly can also identify nerve problems. What’s known is that symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can affect various systems throughout the body. For instance, this condition can disrupt the body’s ability to sense temperature changes, making a person more likely to suffer heat stroke or burns. Alcohol can also cause depletion of some important nutrients, leading to deficiencies.
Need Professional Help With Addiction?
Clean and sober since 2009, Michael is passionate about helping others discover their authentic self and live a life of true freedom and purpose. Occupational therapy can also be beneficial, teaching you how to adapt to daily activities and maintain your independence as you heal. Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse. The central nervous system is a complex and resilient system of nerves and organs that allows us to sense and interact with our surroundings and monitor the internal state of our own bodies.
Is it possible to cure nerve damage?
When the muscles in the legs and feet are palpated, many people exhibit tenderness. Additionally, some persons may experience cramping in the affected muscles, while others report burning in their calf and feet. Although axonal degradation frequently starts before a person exhibits any symptoms, alcoholic polyneuropathy typically develops gradually over months or even years. Preventing alcoholic neuropathy is fundamentally about managing our alcohol intake.
Motor symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps and spasms, particularly in the lower limbs. Over time, severe muscle weakness may result in muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes and difficulty maintaining balance. Gateway Foundation can help you prevent alcoholic neuropathy by treating alcohol addiction head-on. If you’re finding it difficult to quit on your own, our professional staff can provide you with treatments and resources to help you manage your addiction and help you reach a life of sobriety. Alcoholic neuropathy has multiple effects on the body caused by nerve damage, ranging from mild to severe.