Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol. The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation. Four studies addressed the management of patients with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy. These studies addressed abstinence from alcohol consumption and administration of vitamins. Based on these studies, it can be determined that there is a high rate of peripheral neuropathy amongst chronic alcohol abusers.
Treatment Options for Neuralgia
- Alcohol causes neuropathy via multifactorial processes, many of which are still under investigation.
- Polyneuropathy involves damage to more than one nerve at the same time, usually multiple nerves throughout the peripheral nervous system and all over the body.
- Chronic alcoholism can alter the intake, absorption and utilization of various nutrients (nicotinic acid, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate or vitamin E).
- Thus, treatment with anticonvulsant drugs may provide another therapeutic alternative for the symptomatic relief of pain in patients with alcoholic neuropathy.
Moreover, phosphorylated PKC was significantly increased in the spinal cord following chronic ethanol consumption. These findings constitute direct evidence that spinal PKC plays a substantial role in the development and maintenance of an ethanol-dependent neuropathic pain-like state in rats. Risk factors for developing alcoholic neuropathy include the amount and duration of alcohol consumption, nutritional alcohol neuropathy deficiencies, and individual susceptibility to alcohol’s neurotoxic effects. People who consume large quantities of alcohol over an extended period, who would qualify as alcoholics, are at higher risk, especially if their diet lacks vital nutrients needed for nerve function and repair. Genetic factors may also play a role, making some individuals more prone to alcohol-related nerve damage than others.
The role of oxidative stress
When you consume alcohol, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream from the stomach and the small intestine. A diet poor in nutrients or avoiding eating can make nutritional deficiencies worse. 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. Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy.
- ER stress is distinguished by the buildup of imperfect proteins within the ER stress, which can hinder its ability to fold proteins properly [6].
- Human studies have also suggested a direct toxic effect, since a dose-dependent relationship has been observed between severity of neuropathy and total life time dose of ethanol [6, 13].
- She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room.
- CW collected the data, LC analyzed the statistical data, RW supervised the project, TZ calibrated the initial draft, and ZH participated in revising the manuscript.
- Acute causes of myelopathy, including cord compression or ischemic infarction, can present with loss of reflexes at and below the level of the lesion.
- Based upon these results, vitamin supplementation appears to exert a positive therapeutic effect in alcohol-related neuropathy.
Muscle Weakness
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. In a 2019 study, researchers showed that quitting alcohol had a positive effect on most people’s mental well-being. Completely avoiding alcohol and eating a balanced diet can help minimize damage. Your chances for recovery depend on how early the disease is diagnosed and how much damage has already occurred. Avoiding alcohol is the best way to treat these conditions and relieve symptoms.
What Are Its Causes and Risk Factors?
Antidepressants for the alleviation of neuropathic pain symptoms
Alcoholic Myopathy
- More recent research, however, suggests that alcohol can directly damage nerves.
- Chr-PLs treatment resulted in increased expression of beclin 1 (Fig.10D) and LC3 (Fig. 11D) and decreased expression of p62 (Fig. 12D).
- The nodes of Ranvier are visible between adjacentinternodes of the myelin sheath.
- One way to overcome this challenge has been to suggest incorporating chrysin into suitable delivery systems.
- In healthy individuals, the blood pressure decreases and the heart rate increases during Valsalva maneuver.