What Does Alcoholic Neuropathy Feel Like?

Alcoholic neuropathy is one of the most common adverse effects of chronic alcohol consumption. There is damage to the nerves due to the direct toxic effect of alcohol and the malnutrition induced by it. Patients present with pain, ataxia, and paresthesias in the lower extremities. This activity describes the evaluation and management of alcoholic neuropathy and reviews the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for patients with this condition. The main toxicity of consuming too much alcohol is related to nerve tissue. People who tend to consume too much alcohol may begin to experience pain and tingling sensation in their limbs.

• One of the key nutrients inhibited by alcohol is thiamine, vitamin B1.
• Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
• Nerve damage from chronic alcohol consumption can develop over several years.
• It can be difficult to say exactly how much alcohol causes neuropathy because every person’s body chemistry is different.

What is alcoholic neuropathy muscle weakness?

The muscles may feel weakened and unresponsive, making even simple movements a challenge. Coordination becomes a struggle, akin to trying to maneuver through the fog, leading to stumbled and fumbled actions. Alcoholic neuropathy can cause problems with both movement and sensation in the body.

Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis

Alcoholic neuropathy generally only develops in those who have drank excessively for a considerable amount of time. This excessive drinking damages the nerves and can lead to a number of symptoms. It usually takes years to reach this point, although heavy binge drinking can accelerate the onset of alcoholic neuropathy. Neurological Examination involves specific tests to evaluate nerve function, such as assessing the ability to feel light touch, temperature, vibration, and changes in position. Blood Tests may include checking levels of various substances, such as blood sugar, vitamin B12, folate, and other vitamins that could contribute to nerve damage. Since alcohol misuse can have an impact on liver health, liver function tests might also be carried out.

Neurological Effects of Alcohol & Risks

This could lead to disability, chronic pain, and damage to your arms and legs. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Early diagnosis and treatment can help increase your chances of fully recovering. While alcoholic neuropathy is not directly fatal, it can make other health problems worse and increase the chances of getting seriously ill or dying. Severe alcoholic neuropathy can affect important body functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Previous PostDual Diagnosis with Substance Use Disorder

Their wounds can be prone to bleeding and infections, which will impair their daily activities. The challenges faced in this arena have provided her with a strong base of practice in assessment, treatment, and case management. Remember that recovery is possible, and plenty of support is available. Keep moving forward, one day at a time, and appreciate the hard work you put in along the way. Even though alcoholic neuropathy may not go away, there are things you can do to cope with this condition. Nerve damage typically affects the axons, which are the projections that send electrical signals from one nerve to another.

It also discusses treatment options, including how to get help for alcohol use disorder. There is a 6% to 51% prevalence rate of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic adults. When you consume a lot of alcohol, the nerves become even more vulnerable to damage. Because of this interruption, the feet and hands tend to feel weaker. But, when neuropathy affects the lower part of the body, these muscles will have poor organ control. That means you may experience intestine, stomach, and bladder problems.

Dizziness or lightheadedness might occur due to poor blood circulation or changes in blood pressure. In some cases, bladder control issues, such as incontinence, can arise as a result of autonomic nerve dysfunction. A medical detox program followed by a comprehensive alcohol rehab program Drug rehabilitation can manage alcoholism and help a person to get sober and stay that way. Many alcohol rehab programs help to manage co-occurring disorders, such as alcoholic polyneuropathy. A program that caters to co-occurring disorders ensures that the alcoholism is being treated and so are any other medical or mental health issues.

What Are the Sensations Associated With Alcoholic Neuropathy?

Alcoholic neuropathy, a condition caused by sustained and excessive alcohol consumption, can be painful and debilitating. To help diagnose this condition, medical professionals will perform a variety of tests and assessments. In this section, we will discuss the diagnostic tests and how related conditions can be assessed. Sometimes alcohol causes such severe damage to the body that a liver transplant may be necessary. There are no medications that can help improve loss of sensation, what does alcoholic neuropathy feel like strengthen muscle weakness, or assist with the coordination and balance problems caused by alcoholic neuropathy.

About 46% of chronic alcohol users will eventually develop this condition. Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time causes nerve damage that can lead to the onset of alcoholic neuropathy. Heavy and chronic drinking is also often tied to nutritional deficiencies.

• Some of your bodily functions are autonomic, which means that you don’t directly control them.
• During his time as a therapist, Justin has worked in a residential addiction treatment facility, private practice, and outpatient settings.
• Sometimes alcohol causes such severe damage to the body that a liver transplant may be necessary.
• Depending on how severe the nerve damage is, it can cause mild discomfort to severe disability.

To know more about this condition, people can consult a specialist online through online medical platforms. It is likely to get worse if the person continues to use alcohol or if nutritional problems are not corrected. Alcoholic neuropathy is usually not life threatening, but it can severely affect quality of life.