Excessive alcohol consumption can have long-lasting effects on neurotransmitters in the brain, decreasing their effectiveness or even mimicking them. Some people with a history of excessive alcohol use develop nutritional deficiencies that further damage brain function. Caspases, or cysteine-aspartic acid proteases, are a family of cysteine proteases, which play an essential role in apoptosis (programmed cell death), necrosis and inflammation. Translocation of NFkβ to the nucleus has been reported to result in activation of the endogenous proteolytic enzyme system caspases 69. Joseph & Levine 71 suggested that activity in signaling pathways that ultimately lead to apoptosis plays a critical role in the generation of neuropathic pain, before death of sensory neurones becomes apparent.
- Like many other types of diseases, neuropathy from alcohol abuse doesn’t progress in all individuals the exact same way.
- Department of Health and Human Services’ Dietary Guidelines for alcohol consumption (one drink a day for women and two for men) doesn’t carry nearly any risk for developing this disease.
Complete Blood Count
The takeaway here, again, is that finding the right physician and rehab center early can save you from a lot of trouble down the line. It’s characterized by a loss in nerve function, mostly in the extremities, and can cause damage to your body that ends up lasting for the rest of your life. Alcoholism, even in so-called “high-functioning alcoholics”, is a major risk factor with this disease. Sufferers will often experience numbness, feelings of pins-and-needles, and possibly other sensations that nerve damage from drinking can become extremely painful.
- Alcoholic neuropathy is a severe condition that can lead to pain, loss of some bodily functions, and loss of mobility.
- More recent research, however, suggests that alcohol can directly damage nerves.
- By scanning the reference lists of included studies, an additional 4 papers were identified.
- Alcoholic polyneuropathy is progressive and gets worse over time, as the damage to the nerves increases with continued alcohol abuse.
- This phenomenon may be responsible for the induction of the neuropathic pain like behaviour following chronic ethanol consumption.
How Much Alcohol Causes Neuropathy?
Alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of alcohol use disorder.Excess alcohol consumption can also result in malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies that have a damaging effect on nerves. A medical detox program followed by a comprehensive alcohol rehab program 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.
Physical therapy
These supplements can give a person’s body the resources that it needs to repair damage to nerves. Since alcohol prevents the body from absorbing certain nutrients, this can only work if someone stops drinking. Sometimes this takes the form of over-the-counter pain medication. But doctors can also prescribe creams, anticonvulsants, gabapentin, and tramadol for pain. One of the most common issues for people with alcoholic neuropathy is issues with muscle control and balance. Alcoholic neuropathy is a debilitating condition resulting from prolonged excessive alcohol consumption, leading to nerve damage throughout the body.
Treatment Options for Alcoholic Neuropathy
No amount of alcohol is safe to drink while pregnant, according to the CDC. If you’re struggling to control your drinking and worried about alcoholic neuropathy, help is available. For a list of rehabs and treatment centers near you, visit our rehab directory. While not specifically approved for the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy, antidepressant medications are often prescribed to help control the pain. Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed as a way to manage pain.
Involvement of the sympatho-adrenal and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in alcoholic peripheral neuropathy
The key role in the degradation of ethanol is played by ethanol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase-two step enzymatic systems by which ethanol is converted to acetate which is further metabolized in humans. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase is a mitochondrial enzyme which undergoes a single amino acid substitution (mutation) in about 50% of the Asian population in a way similar to the genetic changes in sickle cell anaemia 21. Thus, in alcoholics with the mutated dehydrogenase enzyme, acetaldehyde concentrations may reach values about 20 times higher than in individuals without the mutation. These abnormal proteins influence other cell populations especially the hepatocytes where the damage to hepatic mitochondria results in hepatic cirrhosis with reduction of energetic substrates in the liver.
How Much Alcohol Consumption Causes Neuropathy?
If your doctor confirms a diagnosis of alcoholic neuropathy, they will discuss treatment options, including help for alcohol use disorder. Because the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can be similar to those of other conditions, your doctor may first rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. This article provides an overview of alcoholic neuropathy, including symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. It also discusses treatment options, including how to get help for alcohol use disorder. A doctor will take a thorough health history and have you complete questionnaires related to alcohol intake to help diagnose these conditions. Medication can help reduce some of the symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy.
Coping With Alcoholic Neuropathy
For instance, improving nutritional intake can help repair nerve damage, while continued alcohol use can exacerbate symptoms and impede healing. Engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco and other toxins can also support nerve repair and improve overall health, influencing the recovery timeline for neuropathic symptoms. Alcoholic neuropathy, also known as alcoholic peripheral neuropathy, refers to damage of the nerves due to chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. Affected nerves include the peripheral nerves, primarily located in the arms and legs, and the autonomic nerves, which help regulate our internal body functions. About 46% of chronic alcohol users will eventually develop this condition. Proper nerve health depends on a balance of salts and chemicals in the blood.
Alcoholic Neuropathy: One More Risk of Alcoholism
- One especially important phrase in that sentence, though, is “in most cases”.
- However, experts still do not have a full understanding of how alcoholic neuropathy happens, which can make treatment challenging.
- When the liver is not able to filter this poison quickly enough, a person can develop signs of alcohol poisoning or alcohol overdose.
- Has been contributing to medical fields including mental health and addiction since she retired from medicine; with over 19 years of practicing clinical experience.
- Medicines may be needed to treat pain or uncomfortable sensations due to nerve damage.
- Often, the side effects of alcoholic polyneuropathy are permanent.
They may not feel strong sensations in these areas, either, due to the damage to the nerves. They may notice a weakness in their hands or that they have lost some of their coordination. Their balance can be affected due to the nerve damage in the legs and feet. Chronic heavy drinkers may be at risk for several different alcohol-related neurological issues. 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.
