Electrophysiologic and pathologic findings mainly indicate axonal neuropathy with reduced nerve fibre densities. Subperineurial oedema is more prominent in thiamine deficient neuropathy, whereas segmental de/remyelination resulting from widening of consecutive nodes of Ranvier is more frequent in alcoholic neuropathy 3. While it is more common in older adults, alcohol neuropathy can also affect individuals in their 20s. In this article, we will delve into the causes, treatment, and recovery options for alcohol neuropathy in individuals in their 20s. This is a form of nerve damage, known as alcoholic neuropathy, where heavy alcohol use damages the peripheral nerves — the ones that help you move (motor nerves) and feel physical sensations (sensory nerves). Alcohol abusers may experience loss of balance, pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness after drinking.
- This will help control the disease and lessen the effects of nerve damage.
- The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation.
- On the other end of the spectrum, alcohol neuropathy can cause constant pain in limbs where the nerve is affected.
- This condition is typically not life-threatening, but the nerve damage from alcoholic neuropathy is usually permanent.
Is Alcoholic Neuropathy Reversible?
Focusing on the various routes that have contributed to the development of the disease is crucial because of this. Patients must be taught how to control their habitual alcohol abuse, for example. Additionally, they must acquire a variety of therapeutic medications to aid in control and prevent nerve injury. Antidepressant drugs are frequently used to assist manage the pain of alcoholic neuropathy, even though they are not licensed expressly for this condition.
Long-term Management and Follow-up
To try to address the long-term consequences of alcohol on the liver, alcohol neuropathy this treatment is also necessary. Electrical nerve stimulation sends a small electrical current through the skin and nerves that can help with sensitivities and pain, making it an option for treatment. Alternative therapies like chiropractic care, body manipulation, acupuncture, meditation, and massage therapy can be helpful in managing pain and symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy. The main goal of a treatment program for alcoholic polyneuropathy is to improve quality of life and offer relief from symptoms. Muscle weakness is one of the most common long-term effects of alcoholic neuropathy. People with this condition might have motor weakness from nerve damage, and the nerves can’t send or receive signals.
Vojta Therapy
While some nerve damage from alcoholic neuropathy may be permanent, early intervention and comprehensive treatment improves symptoms and halt the progression of the condition. Abstaining from alcohol, improving nutrition, engaging in physical therapy, and using medications to manage symptoms leads to substantial recovery. The timeline for improvement varies among individuals, depending on factors such amphetamine addiction treatment as the severity of the neuropathy, the duration of alcohol abuse, and adherence to treatment. Some individuals might see improvement within a few months, while others may require a year or more of consistent treatment and lifestyle changes to notice benefits.
- Alcoholic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves become damaged as a result of years of heavy alcohol consumption.
- However, severe alcohol-related neuropathy may cause permanent nerve damage.
- Alcohol can directly damage nerve tissue, harming its structure and function.
- Consider discussing with your healthcare provider and checking your vitamin B levels before starting a supplement.
Symptoms include burning pain in the body, hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), and allodynia (a condition in which normal stimulus, like a soft touch, produces pain). A doctor may diagnose a person with alcoholic neuropathy, if alcohol use has damaged the peripheral nerves. People who drink heavily on a regular basis are at risk of developing this condition. Alcohol-related neuropathy is a condition caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol over a long period.
- The toughest first step is the obvious one — the patient must stop drinking.
- Physical therapy plays a significant role in treating alcoholic neuropathy because it helps work the proper muscles needed to improve blood flow.
- The most important thing you can do to treat alcohol-related neuropathy is to stop consuming alcohol.
- After that, this waste accumulates and damages numerous body parts, including the nerves.
- In some instances, a doctor may do a nerve biopsy that can show if the nerve damage is consistent with alcoholic neuropathy, or from another cause.
Having a healthcare professional come to your house to assist with your needs can relieve a lot of added stress on you to keep track of your treatment plan alone. When significantly limiting or stopping alcohol consumption, receiving ongoing support is essential. Treatment for alcoholic neuropathy first focuses on stopping or significantly reducing alcohol intake. When speaking with a doctor, a person should be honest about how much alcohol they consume. There are several possible causes of neuropathy, and knowing about a person’s alcohol intake can help the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. Deficiencies in these nutrients can harm overall health and prevent nerves from functioning correctly.
Alcohol is one of the most misused substances in the world, and over 18 million adults in the United States have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. An AUD creates an urge to drink and makes it difficult for a person to stop once they’ve started. 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.
What Are the Treatments for Alcoholic Neuropathy?
The longer you have been drinking and the more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk of developing liver disease. Any diet should include water, but it’s even more important for people who want to lessen nerve pain. Maintaining proper hydration throughout the day is essential for lowering inflammation and preventing pain receptor activation. The medical establishment has acknowledged that addiction is a sickness and that certain individuals are more susceptible to it than others. Therefore, to control alcohol consumption disorder, medical assistance is typically required.
Understanding and treating alcoholic neuropathy
People who struggle with alcoholism should try to eat a healthy and balanced diet, even if they don’t feel hungry. Rehabilitation programs often incorporate physical and occupational therapy to help patients regain strength, improve balance, and enhance their ability to perform daily activities. Physical therapy may include gait and balance training, range of motion exercises, and strength training. Occupational therapy focuses on training patients to perform activities of daily living using adaptive equipment if necessary.
Need Professional Help With Addiction?
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 are better set up for success with sobriety. Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders. Many support systems and professional services are available in person or online to help you on your journey.
