Nerves don't have a resilient ability to regenerate if they are severely damaged. The nerve damage of alcoholic neuropathy may be permanent if the damage has been taking place for a long period of time or if it persists. The diagnosis of alcoholic neuropathy involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and possibly blood tests or nerve tests such as electromyography EMG and nerve conduction studies NCV.
There are a number of other medical conditions that can be confused with alcoholic neuropathy. The most common of these include:. There are several medical treatments that can be used to manage the pain of alcoholic neuropathy. These include pain medications and antidepressants.
While not specifically approved for the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy, antidepressants are often prescribed to help control the pain. Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed as a way to manage pain.
Since nutritional deficiencies are partly to blame for alcoholic neuropathy, supplementation with vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and thiamine may be recommended. There are no medications that can help improve loss of sensation, strengthen the muscle weakness, or aid the coordination and balance problems caused by alcoholic neuropathy. However, some people notice an improvement in symptoms a few months after discontinuing alcohol intake.
Sometimes alcohol causes such severe damage to the body that a liver transplant may be necessary. In that case, there may be some improvement in the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy after the liver transplant, but often, the neuropathy is so advanced that there may be little, if any, improvement, even after a transplant.
If you are diagnosed with alcoholic neuropathy and are currently taking care of yourself or you have a loved one taking care of you , you might consider getting professional help. A nurse or professional caretaker can be part of your treatment team and visit you at home regularly to help with a variety of tasks including:.
Having a nurse come to your house to suit your needs can relieve a lot of added stress on you to keep track of your treatment plan alone. Verywell acknowledges that a private nurse or caretaker may not be feasible for everyone and that readers do not have uniform access to safe, affordable, high-quality health care.
In addition, a support group can help you cope with the life changes you're experiencing as a result of your condition. You might look for a support group specifically for alcoholic neuropathy or for people coping with chronic pain. You may also benefit from a support group to help you reduce your drinking or completely quit drinking alcohol. Especially if you have been drinking heavily for many years, coping with alcohol use disorder is not easy.
But with the proper resources to help you, you are better set up for success with sobriety. Avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol is the primary way to prevent alcoholic neuropathy. If you notice you are developing any signs of alcoholic neuropathy, in addition to seeing a doctor, avoid drinking alcohol. If you are having difficulty avoiding alcohol, there are resources that can help you quit.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Alcohol use disorder is a challenging condition. The medical community has recognized that addiction is a disease and that some people are predisposed to it. As a result, it is usually necessary to get medical help to manage alcohol use disorder. Some of the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can be partially reversed, but if the neuropathy becomes advanced, it might not be reversible. Medication can help in reducing some of the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy.
The most important strategy against alcoholic neuropathy lies in preventing the symptoms from getting worse by decreasing alcohol consumption as soon as possible. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Chopra K, Tiwari V. Alcoholic neuropathy: Possible mechanisms and future treatment possibilities.
Br J Clin Pharmacol. Sadowski A, Houck RC. Alcoholic neuropathy. Individuals have different needs, and a treatment plan may involve one or more of the following:. If a person can benefit from exercise, a doctor can likely recommend a physiotherapist who specializes in neuropathy. When significantly limiting or cutting off alcohol consumption, receiving ongoing support is essential.
Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition that can lead to chronic pain, loss of some bodily functions, and permanent disability. However, recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention early can minimize the impact of the condition.
A person can improve their outlook by significantly reducing or cutting off their alcohol intake and ensuring that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients. A wide range of support networks and medical treatments are available.
Individuals with alcoholic neuropathy often make a partial or full recovery, depending on the extent and duration of their alcohol consumption. A wide range of factors determines how the body responds to chronic heavy drinking.
A single binge-drinking episode can result in significant harm…. How long does it take for the body to process alcohol? Learn about factors that effect the processing of alcohol, such as age and sex, and how long it…. Alcohol has short-term and long-term effects. Drinking a small amount can help people feel relaxed, but too much, too often, can be harmful for health. Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone consumes a toxic level of alcohol, usually in a short time.
Symptoms are much, much more severe than those of…. A feeling of tingling in the feet or hands can have a variety of causes. Many are related to peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage, but others include…. Understanding and treating alcoholic neuropathy. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. What is alcoholic neuropathy? How does alcohol cause neuropathy?
Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition caused by excessive alcohol use. Share on Pinterest The peripheral nerves can be damaged by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Circulatory System — Just one occasion of heavy drinking may cause trouble for your heart, therefore a heavy drinker is much more likely to have heart problems than a non-drinker.
The risk is even higher for females. Heart problems may include poisoning of the heart muscle cells, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack. Digestive System —This is where serious damage can quickly occur. Alcohol makes it difficult for our intestines to control bacteria and absorb nutrients that can lead to malnutrition. Alcohol is also known to cause:.
Central Nervous System — Alcohol changes behavior. It inhibits speaking, which causes slurred speech and coordination. Long-term use can shrink the frontal lobes of the brain.
Heavy drinking can lead to dependency that may have severe withdrawal effects. Excretory System — This system is responsible for removing waste products, such as alcohol, from the body. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause the pancreas to lose normal insulin production and create toxic substances that can lead to its destruction.
An abundance of alcohol can harm the liver, whose job it is to break down harmful substances in the body.
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