The exact mechanism behind alcoholic neuropathy is not well understood, but several explanations have been proposed. Therefore, alcoholic neuropathy may occur by a combination of the direct toxic effects of ethanol or its metabolites and nutritional deficiencies, including thiamine deficiency. The precise mechanisms responsible for toxicity on the peripheral nervous system, however, have not yet been clarified. The amount of ethanol which causes clinically evident peripheral neuropathy is also still unknown. Benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine O-monophoshate) is a synthetic S-acyl derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1).
How Alcohol Affects the Nervous System
- Not being able to tell when things are too hot because of the way the nerve damage interferes with the ability to sense temperature changes can make one more susceptible to burns.
- Certain forms of exercise are more effective than others at alleviating symptoms of different neuropathies.
- About 46% of chronic alcohol users will eventually develop this condition.
- However, vulnerability to neuropathy and its severity and speed of progression varies.
- In particular, thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12) are linked with neuropathy.
The US National Library of Medicine (NLM) warns that around 50 percent alcohol neuropathy of long-term heavy drinkers will suffer from alcoholic neuropathy. Clinical features of alcoholic peripheral neuropathy develop slowly, extending over a period of months and include abnormalities in sensory, motor, autonomic and gait functions. Painful sensations with or without burning quality represent the initial and major symptom of alcoholic neuropathy 2, 4.
- Amongst those who did not respond to thiamine, two patients with grade I neuropathy and one with grade II responded with the correction of low circulating nicotinic acid.
- Heat sensitivity, unusual feelings like “pins and needles,” and numbness or painful sensations in the arms and legs are common signs of sensory problems.
- 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.
- Maintaining proper hydration throughout the day is essential for lowering inflammation and preventing pain receptor activation.
Alcoholic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Timelines
Comprehensive recovery programs, such as those provided at Resurgence Behavioral Health, offer the support and treatment required to address the psychological components of addiction after detoxification. Therapy, counseling, and instruction on substance addiction and its effects are all part of these programs. How much and how frequently you drink alcohol, the kind, intensity, and frequency of symptoms you have To get a proper diagnosis, it’s critical to let the doctor know about any past alcohol consumption.
Signs and Symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy
- The most important thing you can do to treat alcohol-related neuropathy is to stop consuming alcohol.
- Benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine O-monophoshate) is a synthetic S-acyl derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1).
- You can call our free, confidential helpline at for more information about rehab.
- The reason for better results in the benfotiamine alone group than in the Milgamma-N group, despite the fact that the benfotiamine dosage was equivalent, is not completely understood.
- In general, the nerves in lower limbs were more affected than the upper limbs 3, 37–39.
Consuming too much, especially over months or years, can result in severe symptoms. These symptoms are progressive and can severely impact daily life if not addressed early. Telling your doctor that you abuse alcohol is crucial because the symptoms are so similar. The projections that transmit electrical impulses from one nerve to another, known as axons, are usually impacted by nerve injury. It also damages myelin, the fatty coating that surrounds and protects the nerves. Physical therapy and orthopedic appliances (such as splints) may be needed to maintain muscle function and limb position.
Treatment for alcoholism may include counseling, social support such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or drug addiction treatment medicines. It is important to supplement the diet with vitamins, including thiamine and folic acid. 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.
- Learn more about this condition, including its symptoms, how it’s treated, and ways to cope.
- People with alcoholic neuropathy typically have decreased sensitivity and reflexes.
- Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition that can lead to pain, loss of some bodily functions, and loss of mobility.
- Exercise may also prevent the development of neuropathy because regular physical activity helps control blood sugar.
- Injection of (S)-2,6-diamino-N-1-(oxotridecyl)-2-piperidinylmethyl hexanamide dihydrochloride (NPC15437), a selective PKC inhibitor, once a day for a week after 4 weeks of ethanol treatment.
- Malnutrition due to alcoholism can contribute to nerve damage and alcoholic polyneuropathy as well.
Fetal alcohol syndrome can occur when a person is exposed to alcohol before birth. Cerebellar degeneration caused by alcohol occurs when neurons in the cerebellum deteriorate and die. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking less or not at all may help you avoid neurological harm. If quitting feels challenging, hypnosis for alcohol control can help rewire drinking habits at the subconscious level.
