Alcoholic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

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• August 24, 2022
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What is crucial during ALN treatment is the alleviation of the major causation of ALN which is alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse treatment might lead to a resolution of neuropathic pain and alleviation of its symptoms. This can be achieved by complete alcohol abstinence and a balanced diet primarily supplemented by B6, B12, and E vitamins, as well as folate, thiamine, and niacin. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome; acamprosate and naltrexone are effective to treat alcohol dependence; however, the latter usually induces withdrawal symptoms 175. Further, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are prescribed to treat alcohol-induced neuropathic pain via exerting antinociceptive properties by increasing serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmissions 71. In an animal model, Kaur et al. (2017) showed that curcumin and sildenafil administrated alone or in combination represent a therapeutic advantage in alcohol-induced neuropathic pain 176.

How Does Alcohol Impact the Brain and Central Nervous System?

The biggest thing you need to do when dealing with alcoholic neuropathy is to stop drinking. This will halt the damage being done to the nerves and allow them is alcoholic neuropathy dangerous to begin regenerating themselves. You also need to begin eating a healthy diet, and you may need to take vitamin supplements to improve your levels of B12, thiamine, Vitamin E, and folate. Fortunately, after receiving a diagnosis, people with alcoholic neuropathy can make healthy changes to minimize symptoms and receive help for chronic alcohol use. Most patients with alcohol neuropathy initially present with symmetrical polyneuropathies in the lower distal extremities; however, heavier abuse can progress to distal upper extremity symptoms. The most common findings are sensory-related and vary, including pain, numbness, and paresthesias.

• The percentage of alcohol-dependent patients affected by ALN is estimated to be 66% 50, 51.
• Alcohol-related neuropathy can go away if you stop consuming alcohol and follow your treatment plan.
• To combat these deficiencies, supplementation with vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and thiamine may be recommended.
• Alternative therapies like chiropractic care, body manipulation, acupuncture, meditation, and massage therapy can be helpful in managing pain and symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy.

Alcohol-Related Neurological Effects and Diseases

Constant pain in the hands or feet is one of the most bothersome aspects of alcoholic neuropathy. As the condition progresses, the pain may vary in intensity, sometimes diminishing for months before worsening again. Alcoholic neuropathy is a condition in which drinking too much alcohol causes damage to nerve tissue. The pain and tingling caused by neuropathy can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are means — and medications — to help ease the condition.

Getting help for alcohol use disorder

However, vulnerability to neuropathy and its severity and speed of progression varies. Women, continuous as opposed to episodic drinkers, and people with a family history of the disorder appear to be more vulnerable to alcoholic neuropathy and more severe presentations. 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. The sooner you stop drinking alcohol, the more favorable your outlook is if you have alcohol-related neuropathy. Research suggests you can recover from some or all of the nerve damage caused by alcohol-related neuropathy.

The primary risk factor for alcoholic neuropathy is chronic consumption of large amounts of alcohol. In someone with alcohol use disorder who may consistently consume large amounts of alcohol, the chronic effect of alcohol on nerves can lead to permanent damage. If you’re struggling to control your drinking and worried about alcoholic neuropathy, help is available. For a list of rehabs and treatment centers near you, visit our rehab directory.

Does alcoholic neuropathy go away?

They can perform an evaluation, help determine the appropriate setting based on your unique needs, and provide referrals to rehabs. You can also find treatment facilities nationwide using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s FindTreatment.gov website. Treatment for alcoholism may include counseling, social support such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or medicines. Changes in muscle strength or sensation usually occur on both sides of the body and are more common in the legs than in the arms. Alcohol causes neuropathy by making it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients, including B12 and protein. With fewer of these nutrients to go around, the body has to prioritize where the existing nutrients go.

There’s no exact timeframe for how quickly alcohol-related neuropathy develops. However, stopping consuming alcohol sooner can help stop the progression of nerve damage. Alcohol-related neuropathy can go away if you stop consuming alcohol and follow your treatment plan.