Alcoholic Neuropathy

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Causes and symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy

Alcoholic neuropathy occurs as a result of damage to the nervous system, namely its peripheral division, by harmful substances contained in alcoholic beverages. The development of such a disease is a complication of alcohol intoxication in the acute or chronic period. This type of neuropathy is diagnosed in most cases in men who consume alcohol excessively; women are less likely to suffer from this disease.

The constant toxic effect of ethyl alcohol on nerve fibers, disrupts liver function, the absorption of nutrients in the intestine. Ethyl alcohol has a toxic effect on the human body, its negative effects increase the incidence of neuropathy.

One of the main reasons for the development of alcoholic neuropathy, in combination with excessive alcohol consumption, is considered to be malnutrition. Basically, a lack of carbohydrates causes a deficiency of thiamine and B vitamins, including folic acid. An important role in the development of alcoholic neuropathy is played by hormonal disturbances and metabolic changes.

Also, in the list of factors damaging the peripheral nervous system in alcohol abuse, physicians include metabolic disorders that arise from chronic alcohol use. In this case, the protective barrier of the peripheral nervous system is gradually destroyed. Experts believe that genetic causes play a significant role.

The toxic effect of alcohol in the peripheral nervous system leads to metabolic disturbances in the body of the neuron (axonal degeneration). Alcoholic neuropathy (polyneuropathy) is manifested mainly by damage to the fibers from which the nerve is formed. We receive pain and temperature sensations from unmyelinated and myelinated fibers.

Tactile senses from thin and thick fibers. The defeat of thin fibers is dangerous by loss of pain or temperature sensitivity, paresthesia, pain, lack of normal reflexes. Patients show muscle weakness, gait disturbance and coordination of movements. The defeat of vegetative fibers leads to disruption of the functioning of organs and systems.

This type of neuropathy is classified into: distal symmetric polyneuropathy, which includes sensorimotor, mixed motor-sensory-autonomic, and autonomic polyneuropathy; local and multiple neuropathies include mononeuropathies, multiple mononeuropathies, radiculopathies, and plexopathies.

Symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy

Alcoholic neuropathy is confirmed in the presence of electro-physiological changes, according to the patient's complaints, based on the objective manifestations of the disease, after receiving anamnestic information about the abuse of alcoholic beverages. The main factors in the effective treatment of alcoholic neuropathy are timely diagnosis and complete rejection of alcohol, good balanced nutrition.

Therapeutic methods include elimination of the toxic effect of alcohol, taking medications containing α-lipoic acid, drugs that normalize cerebral circulation disorders, and vitamins. Correction of blood glucose is mandatory. Peripheral paresis in patients with alcoholic polyneuropathy is treated with physical exercises that strengthen the muscles and prevent limitation of passive limb movements.

During the period of illness, psychological support is important, patients need to know about the cause of the disease, about the factors that contribute to quick treatment. And one of them is giving up alcohol. This helps to significantly reduce or eliminate the symptoms of polyneuropathy. Continued alcohol abuse after treatment may return neurological symptoms.

It is often necessary to undergo treatment with a narcologist in order to weaken this addiction. After suffering a disease associated with damage to the nervous system, patients must adhere to the recommendations of doctors related to the prevention of the disease.

It is necessary to remember constantly that alcohol is harmful, in order to avoid relapse it is recommended to give up this addiction forever, this will help to fully recover and maintain your health at the proper level.

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".

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