Peripheral neuropathy Symptoms and causes

Those with mild neuropathic symptoms and a shorter history of alcohol abuse may experience quicker and more significant recovery, especially if they cease alcohol intake and receive appropriate treatment promptly. Alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a chronic and painful condition in which the neurotoxic effects of alcohol and nutritional deficiencies cause a pathologic response in nerve function. This article presents the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and nursing care of patients with alcohol-induced PN. Alcoholic neuropathy is one of the most common adverse effects of chronic alcohol consumption.

The role of oxidative stress

• The ideal way to do that is with proper and complete alcohol abstinence and implementing vitamin B supplements along with a well-balanced diet.
• Alcoholics often suffer from type II diabetes because alcohol is a simple sugar which is quickly absorbed in the stomach.
• When you pair that with pain and hypersensitivity, it becomes difficult for the hands and feet to function.
• Therefore, topical application with capsaicin may provide symptomatic relief from neuropathic pain in patients suffering from alcoholic neuropathy.

Thus, alpha-lipoic acid may have a potential in the treatment of patients with alcoholic neuropathy. Excessive, long-term consumption of alcohol can lead to malnutrition as well as nerve damage, and both contribute to the development of alcoholic neuropathy. Diagnosis usually involves a healthcare provider collecting a medical history, performing a medical and neurological exam, and performing blood and urine tests. Treatment options include steps to quit alcohol use and managing symptoms of the disease.

Decreased Sensation

Initially, they may be barely noticeable but can progress to more severe and disabling conditions if alcohol consumption continues. Nerve damage caused by alcoholic neuropathy causes the muscles to not receive the signals from nerves properly. This causes the muscles alcohol neuropathy stages to become weakened and unable to function properly. It goes without saying that the first thing the patient must do is stop drinking alcohol. Otherwise, it is almost certain that the disease will progress and the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy will get worse.

Antidepressants for the alleviation of neuropathic pain symptoms

• Risk factors for developing alcoholic neuropathy include the amount and duration of alcohol consumption, nutritional deficiencies, and individual susceptibility to alcohol’s neurotoxic effects.
• Alcoholic neuropathy is a neural disorder that’s caused by excessive alcohol drinking.
• Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.

We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Community-based support is also available from organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Self-Management and Recovery Training. People who drink heavily on a regular basis and have one or more of the following symptoms should contact a doctor. Some may experience only one symptom, while others experience several. We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

• A diet poor in nutrients or avoiding eating can make nutritional deficiencies worse.
• By Heidi Moawad, MDHeidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders.
• However, they usually worsen over time as the neuropathy progresses.
• In the same manner, numbness and lowered ability to feel pain sensations can make people more apt to cut themselves or otherwise damage the skin.
• The constant pain in the legs and arms will make it extremely difficult for people to function normally.